An Overview of the Chemistry and Pharmacological Potentials of Furanones Skeletons

The furanone structure, a significant group of heterocyclic compounds, is frequently found in natural products that are exhibiting striking pharmacological effects and a growing field of research. They have a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical activity: anticataract, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant. This review article presents a summary of natural furanones, synthetic methods, and the biological effects of these important compounds. Solid-phase method, cross-coupling reactions, Maillard-type reaction, the cycloaddition of alcohol and phenyl nitrile oxide, and side-chain modifications are some types of reactions for the preparation of furanone derivatives. Methods of preparation and pharmacological activities of furanone skeletons that are discussed in this review article will help the medicinal chemists to design and execute novel procedures towards finding new drugs.