2-Acetylfuran

2-Acetylfuran has a low melting point and a high boiling point. The solid melts at 30 °C and has a density of 1.0975 g/ml at 20 °C, while the normal boiling point of the liquid is 168–169 °C. 2-Acetylfuran is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and is used in the production of the generic cephalophosphorin antibiotic cefuroxime.

Synthesis
2-Acetylfuran was prepared by Ashina in 1914 via the reaction of the methyl Grignard reagent on 2-furonitrile. Modern industrial synthesis generally involves the Friedel–Crafts acylation of furan with acetic anhydride.

Pharmaceuticals
A one-pot synthesis of an intermediate to the HIV integrase inhibitor S-1360 was based on the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of 2-acetylfuran with 4-fluorobenzyl chloride using zinc chloride catalyst.

Reaction of 2-acetylfuran with aqueous sodium nitrite gave 2-furanyloxoacetic acid, an intermediate to Cefuroxime, a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic.

Artificial flavouring
This compound has a balsamic, caramellic, sweet, almond, nutty profile with recommended uses in bakery, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, nut and tomato products.