Efficient Synthesis of Bis(5-arylfuran-2-yl)methane Scaffolds Utilizing Biomass-Derived Starting Materials

A new synthetic route utilizing biomass-derived furans as a starting material for the production of bis(5-arylfuran-2yl)methane scaffolds was developed. Decarboxylative crosscoupling of 5-hydroxymethylfuroic acid (HMFA) was studied in detail with overall good yields. Acid-catalyzed self-condensation was optimized to produce the target structures in excellent yields. Overall, this report introduces a new expedient synthesis to obtain bis(furyl) methane scaffolds that avoids the use of protecting groups and highlights the utilization of renewable carbon sources as starting materials.