Process for the manufacture of 2,5-dihydrofurans from gamma , delta -epoxybutenes

摘要

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 2,5-dihydrofurans by the homogeneous, liquid phase isomerization of gamma , delta -epoxyalkene compounds wherein a gamma , delta -epoxyalkene compound is isomerized in an inert, organic solvent containing a catalytic amount of a soluble copper salt. The process is particularly useful for the conversion of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene to 2,5-dihydrofuran.