Facile synthesis of 3-substituted thieno[3,2-b]furan derivatives

A facile synthesis of dimethyl 3-hydroxythieno[3,2-b]furan-2,5-dicarboxylate is reported from the available methyl thioglycolate and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate starting materials. This compound represents an efficient precursor for the synthesis of 3-substituted thieno[3,2-b]furan derivatives.