Synthesis of polysubstituted furans via copper-mediated annulation of alkyl ketones with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids.

A novel copper-mediated annulation of alkyl ketones with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been accomplished. This reaction provides a facile and regio-defined method for the synthesis of 2,3,5-trisubstituted furans from simple chemical reagents.