furoates

Furoates are chemical derivatives of furoic acid, the carboxylic acid of the furan ring. In furoates, the hydrogen of the carboxyl group is replaced by either an alkali metal or an organic group, producing salts (furoate salts) or esters (alkyl or aryl furoates). The parent acid is 2-furoic acid (furan-2-carboxylic acid).

Chemical structure and properties: Furoates retain the carboxylate functionality and the heteroaromatic furan ring. Metal furoates are typically ionic solids or sparingly soluble salts; alkyl furoates are lower molecular weight esters that are usually liquids or solids depending on the substituent. Like other carboxylates, furoates can undergo hydrolysis and esterification, and they can act as ligands in coordination chemistry.

Preparation: Furoates are prepared by neutralization of furoic acid with bases to form salts, or by esterification of furoic acid with alcohols in the presence of acid catalysts to yield alkyl furoates.

Applications: Alkyl furoates such as methyl and ethyl furoate are used in fragrance and flavor applications for their fruity notes. Furoate esters and salts are also employed as intermediates in organic synthesis, in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and as ligands in coordination chemistry.

Safety and handling: Furoates are generally handled as other carboxylates and esters, with standard precautions for irritants and flammable solvents. Refer to material safety data sheets for specific compounds.

See also: furoic acid, furan, carboxylate, ester.