Furan Oxidation Reactions in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products

Recent developments on the transformations of furans under oxidative conditions toward the total synthesis of complex natural compounds are discussed. Reactions and methods are classified according to the type of oxidant used. Comparisons are then made between all the strategies to provide a comprehensive overview. This review covers the most prominent work published from 2011 until 2017. 1 Introduction 2 Reagents and Methods for Oxidation of the Furan Ring 2.1 Singlet Oxygen 2.2 Peroxides and Hydroperoxides 2.3 Quinones 2.4 Halogen-Based Oxidants 2.5 Chromium-Based Oxidants 3 The Achmatowicz Reaction 3.1 Halogen-Based Oxidants 3.2 Hydroperoxides 3.3 Enzymatic Oxidation 4 Conclusion