Synthesis of Porphyrinogen-Like Compounds (Mixed Quaterenes)

Three porphyrinogen-like compounds, or mixed quaterenes, have been synthesized. One quaterene contains a pyrrole and three furan residues while the others contain two pyrrole and two furan residues. The chief reaction in the preparation of these mixed quaterenes involves the condensation of a dimethylcarbino of furan at the α-position on a furan or pyrrole ring. Several previously unknown compounds of pyrrole and furan have been prepared as necessary intermediate.