Radical Couplings as Key Steps for the Preparation of Derivatives of Nonactic Acid

Free radical couplings from furan, as cheap starting material, were studied in view of developing a rapid strategy <i>en route</i> to the synthesis of derivatives of nonactin. The chain containing the alcohol function was introduced in one or two steps in 86% yield. For the introduction of the second chain with the ester function two different coupling methods were tested. Starting from the advanced intermediates obtained nonactin derivatives can be prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of the furan ring.