As a starting point for our studies we chose (Z)-2-(2-bromo-2-nitroethenyl)-5-bromofuran (3) which is readily available by Henry reaction of furfural with nitromethane and subsequent bromination (Scheme [2] ). [13] It has been shown that compound 3 possesses interesting biological activity and its derivatization is, therefore, of considerable interest. [13e] Furfural represents an inexpensive, green starting material which is produced in large scale by acid-mediated ...
