Lecture by

S. Mathivanan., M.Pharm
Asst Professor
Pharmacy
 Furan
• Furan is a heterocyclic organic compound,
consisting of a five-membered aromatic ring
with four carbon atoms and one oxygen. The
class of compounds containing such rings are
also referred to as furans.
 Physical properties
• It is colorless, flammable and highly volatile
liquid.
• Melting point: -85.6°C
• Boiling Point: 31.3°C
• Soluble in alcohol, ether and acetone but
slightly soluble in water
• Toxic and may be carcinogenic.
Chemical properties
 Acidity and Basicity
• The basicity of Furan is weaker than Pyrroles
as well as benzo derivatives.
• By comparing the basicity of pyrrole with that
of model used for non-aromatic compounds ,
their aromatic resonance energy can be
calculated.
SYNTHESIS OF FURAN
4. Decarboxylation of furoic acid

5.At commercial level, furan is prepared by

utilising the agricultural waste containing
pentosans
• Furfural obtained from acid hydrolysis of
pentosans (C5 polysaccharides) results in the
synthesis of Furan.
 Hydrogenation / Reduction
• At 125°C and 100 atm pressure.
For Pyrrole synthesis
 Medicinal uses
• The Furan and its derivatives are used as
antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and anti-
viral).
• Some of its derivatives show anti-inflammatory,
anti-depressant, anti-anxiolytics, analgesic,
Diuretics, anticholinergic and muscle relaxant.
3.Furosemide : Loop diuretics (used in the
treatment of edema mainly in CHF, Kidney
failure and liver disease

4.Azidothymidine (AZT) : Also called Zidovudine.

Used for HIV/AIDS
Furfurex : Used as an appetite suppresant
 Ask doubts if any.???
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