Methods for the Synthesis and Modification of Linear Anthrafurandiones (Review)

Derivatives of anthra[2,3-b]furan-5,10-diones hold promise for various fields of science and technology, especially in the search for biologically active compounds. This review covers all currently known methods for the cyclization of linear anthrafurandiones, the first examples of which were synthesized approximately 30 years ago. The material has been arranged mainly in the order of increasing degree of substitution in anthrafurandiones. All the literature methods for functional group transformations providing access to a range of anthrafurandiones unavailable by direct heterocyclization have been considered separately.