Abstract The reduction of 4-aroyl-3-hydroxy-2 (5H)-furanons 1a-c was investigated using different reducing agents. Sodium borohydride reacts with type 1 compounds by loss of water to yield 4-(arylmethylene)-2, 3 (4H, 5H)-furandiones 2a-c. Platinum or charcoal supported by pallodium chloride transforms 1a to 4-benzyl-3-hydroxy-2 (5H)-furanone (3). Compounds 2a and 2b react with o-phenylenediamine to give 3-(E-(1′-hydroxymethyl-2 ...
