Coupling focused microwaves and solvent-free phase transfer catalysis: Application to the synthesis of new furanic diethers

A new family of furanic ethers was obtained by alkylation of 2,5-furandimethanol or furfuryl alcohol under microwave in phase transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions in the absence of solvent. Products were synthesized in good yields (> 80 %) within 10 min or less. Compounds were analysed by NMR, mass spectrometry and their thermal behaviours were studied by DSC. When compared to conventional heating, everything equal elsewhere, reaction times were improved under microwave conditions at a restitute power of 30 Watts when performed under stirring in a monomode reactor (Synthewave 402 Prolabo).