A Tandem Baylis-Hillman-Singlet Oxygen Oxidation Reaction for Facile Synthesis of γ-Substituted γ-Hydroxybutenolides.

Abstract A series of highly functionalised γ-hydroxyacryl γ-hydroxybutenolides, 2, were synthesised in 25–50% overall yields in two or three steps from 2-furfural using a tandem Baylis–Hillman-singlet oxygen oxidation reaction.