Lipoxygenase-catalized dehydratation of furylhydroperoxides.

3-alkoxycarbonyl-5(1-hydroperoxyalkyl)-furans 1 are changed into the corresponding 5-acyl and 5-formyl derivatives 2 by a lipoxygenase-catalyzed process. The conversion shows to proceed in enantioselective way leading to chiral furylhydroperoxides and furylalcohols.