[GRAPHICS]
Substituted 2-hydroxy-3-acetylfurans are synthesized by alkylation of tert-
butyl acetoacetate with an alpha -haloketone followed by treatment of the o
btained intermediate with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). A second alkylation o
f the intermediate followed by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid provides
access to disubstituted 2-methylfurans.