In-bulk formation of a new tetrasubstituted furan from phenolic antioxidants and dibasic lead stearate

The reaction between octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate and dibasic lead stearate, two compounds added in most PVC formulations, has been investigated in bulk. The structure of the resulting product, obtained after a one-pot synthesis, was characterized by HRMS and 2D NMR analyses. The product of empirical formula C70H116O7 has been identified as an unknown highly substituted furan. The reaction mechanism between both products to produce this original furan has been established. The first step leads to a discoloured lead IV complex with bis-quinonemethide. The second step consist of a hydrolysis during the solvent extractions or under UV exposure leading to a tetrasubstituted furan.