2-Furanone is a heterocyclic organic compound. It is also known as γ-crotonolactone (GCL), as it is formally the lactone derived from γ-hydroxyisocrotonic acid. The chemical is colloquially called "butenolide", and is the parent structure for the butenolide class of compounds. It is a colourless liquid.
Synthesis and reactions
2-Furanone is prepared by oxidation of furfural:[2]
It exists in equilibrium with the tautomer 2-hydroxyfuran, which serves as an intermediate in the interconversion between the β- and α-furanones.[further explanation needed] The β form is the more stable. The interconversion is catalyzed by base.
2-Furanones can be converted to furans by a two-step process of reduction followed by dehydration.
Furanone is thought to contribute to the unique taste of Maple syrup.
See also
- Category:Furanones, various substituted structural analogs
- Pyrone, which has one more carbon atom in the ring
References
- ^ a b Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals Product detail
- ^ Näsman, Jan H. (1990). "3-Methyl-2(5H)-furanone". Organic Syntheses. 68: 162. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.068.0162.