A series of acetylenic furan derivatives have been synthesized via Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of 2-(alkyltelluro) furan with several terminal alkynes. These compounds showed good anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin-induced rat paw edema assay. This represents a new and efficient method for the synthesis of pharmacologically active compounds.
[Cella, Rodrigo; Cunha, Rodrigo L. O. R.; Reis, Ana E. S.; Pimenta, Daniel C.; Klitzke, Clecio F.; Stefani, Helio A. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2006 , vol. 71, # 1 p. 244 - 250]