2furylmethyl

2-Furylmethyl, also written as 2-furylmethyl or furan-2-ylmethyl, is a monovalent substituent used in organic chemistry. It consists of a methylene group linked to the 2-position of a furan ring, giving the fragment CH2–(furan-2-yl). The substituent has the formula C5H5O and appears in a range of derivatives as a building block for synthetic routes.

Synonyms for the group include furylmethyl and furan-2-ylmethyl. It is derived from furan, a five-membered heteroaromatic ring containing one oxygen atom, and is typically introduced into larger molecules as a substituent at various synthesis stages.

Preparation and installation: The 2-furylmethyl group is commonly installed by alkylation using 2-furylmethyl halides (for example, 2-furylmethyl chloride) in SN2-type reactions, or by methylenation of furfural-derived substrates. The choice of method depends on the target molecule and the desired connectivity.

Applications and notes: The 2-furylmethyl fragment is used as a synthetic building block to introduce the furan moiety into pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and natural product derivatives. The furan ring is relatively electron-rich and can undergo further functionalization, but it can also be sensitive to strong oxidants and harsh conditions, so appropriate protection and handling considerations apply.