Synthesis of 3-Formylfurans via a Silver(I)-Catalyzed Epoxide Ring-Opening/1,2-Acyl Migration/Cyclization Cascade

By the design of suitable starting materials, a silver(I)-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening/1,2-acyl migration/cyclization cascade has been developed, which allowed us to systematically prepare unsymmetrical 3-formylfurans. Various 3-formylfurans were prepared in good to excellent yields. In addition, the distinct fluorescence properties of 3-formylfurans in solution and the solid state are disclosed.