Search

Pyrroles are foundational building blocks in a wide array of disciplines, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Currently sourced from nonrenewable fossil sources, there is a strive to explore alternative and sustainable synthetic pathways to pyrroles utilizing renewable feedstocks. The utilization of biomass resources presents a compelling solution, particularly given that several key bulk and fine chemicals already originate from biomass. For instance, 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran and aniline are promising candidates for biomass-based chemical production. In this study, we present an innovative approach for synthesizing N-substituted pyrroles by modifying the Clauson-Kaas protocol, starting from 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran as the precursor. The developed methodology offers the advantage of producing pyrroles under mild reaction conditions with the potential for catalyst-free reactions depending upon the structural features of the substrate. We devised protocols suitable for both continuous flow and batch reactions, enabling the conversion of a wide range of anilines and sulfonamides into their respective N-substituted pyrroles with good to excellent yields. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of depositing thin films of the corresponding polymers onto electrodes through in situ electropolymerization. This innovative application showcases the potential for sustainable, biomass-based organic electronics, thus, paving the way for environmentally friendly advancements in this field.

Pyrroles are important building blocks in many areas of chemistry, pharmaceuticals and materials. Pyrroles are currently fossil-based and transition to renewable alternatives demands new synthetic pathways. The use of biomass is a very attractive option for more sustainable solutions and several bulk and fine chemical are already produced from biomass. 2,5-Dimethoxytetrahydrofuran is an example of fine chemical derived from carbohydrate fraction of biomass. Here we report the synthesis of N-substituted pyrroles through a modified Clauson-Kass protocol starting from 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran. The proposed method allows to obtain pyrroles under mild reaction conditions and it can be performed catalyst-free. The protocol works both in continuous flow and under batch conditions.. A wide range of anilines and sulphonamides are transformed to corresponding N-substituted pyrroles in good to excellent yields. Conductive films are achieved through electropolymerization and they show distinct redox activity. Current efforts entail the application of the material in sensors or energy storage devices. The proposed method opens the pathway to sustainable biomass-based organic electronics.