3(2H)Furanone derivatives. Ring-chain tautomerism in the 1,3,4,6-tetraketone series†

Ring-chain tautomeric equilibria in the 1,3,4,6-tetraketone series 1 have been examined and the identification of the chain-form 2 and hydroxyfuranone 3 has been accomplished from 1H-nmr spectra; the relative contribution of the two depends on the structure and also on the solvent. Conversions of 1 into 3(2H)furanones 4 and 5 involving the cyclic tautomer 3 are described.