Studies on reactivity of fumaraldehyde: a facile synthesis of functionalised furans

The first results on reactivity of fumaraldehyde in cyclisation reactions are described; functionalised furans and polyunsaturated molecules obtained by intermolecular condensation of fumaraldehyde with active methylene compouods in acidic media. The mechansim of the reaction is discussed and the formation of a new iron carbonyl complex is described as well. © 1983.