α-Oxo-2-furanacetic acid (CAS 1467-70-5)

α-Oxo-2-furanacetic acid, also known as F2OA, is a versatile organic acid utilized in various industrial and scientific applications. With a planar structure and a molecular weight of 142.09 g/mol, F2OA is a cyclic compound. It exhibits a colorless appearance and is both odorless and water-soluble. F2OA serves as a pivotal intermediate in the synthesis of numerous organic compounds, finding wide-ranging applications in chemistry and biochemistry. F2OA plays a vital role in pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, facilitating the creation of diverse organic compounds. Furthermore, it contributes to the production of dyes, pigments, and specialty chemicals. F2OA′s significance extends to polymer synthesis, including the formation of polyesters and polyamides. Additionally, F2OA is involved in the synthesis of monomers like styrene and vinyl acetate. The mechanism of action of F2OA is intricate, involving a series of reactions. Initially, F2OA undergoes conversion into an intermediate compound, which subsequently transforms into an aldehyde. This aldehyde participates in a Claisen condensation reaction with another aldehyde, resulting in the formation of a cyclic compound. Through subsequent reactions, this cyclic compound is ultimately converted back to F2OA. Overall, F2OA′s chemical properties and its role as an essential intermediate make it indispensable in numerous industrial and scientific endeavors.