Mo(CO)6-Catalyzed oxidation of furan derivatives to E- and Z-enediones by cumyl hydroperoxide

E- and Z-Enediones are easily accessible by controlled oxidation of 2,5-disubstituted furans with MO(CO)(6)/cumyl hydroperoxide system. The use of t-butyl hydroperoxide, as oxygen donor, leads to the formation of 2H-pyran-3(6H)-one derivatives. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.