Patent ID: 8324409
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran comprising the steps of: a) combining a compound of formula I with a carboxylic acid and a strong acid catalyst, wherein formula I has the structure: wherein one of R b) heating the reaction mixture of step (a) to a temperature sufficient to form an ester of formula I; c) adding an aprotic solvent and a first catalyst to the reaction mixture of step (b); and d) heating the reaction mixture of step (c) under hydrogen to foam a product selected from the group consisting of DMF, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran.