Abstract Methyl 5-alkoxy-2-furancarboxylates, methyl 5-alkylthio-2-furancarboxylates and methyl 5-phenylthio-2-furancarboxylate were prepared by nucleophilic substitution of methyl 5-nitro-2-furancarboxylates. Also, 5-phenoxyfuran-2-nitriles and 5-phenylthiofuran-2-nitriles were prepared.