Intermolecular cyclocondensation of arylchloropyruvates in the synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofuran-3,5-dicarboxylic acid derivatives

Methyl arylchloropyruvates undergo intermolecular self-condensation in the presence of a catalytic amount of a base under high-temperature conditions (~250°C) with the formation of 3,4-diaryl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydrofuran-3,5-dicarboxylic acid derivatives.