Synthesis of (E)‐ and (Z)‐5‐(Bromomethylene)furan‐2(5H)‐one by Bromodecarboxylation of (E)‐2‐(5‐Oxofuran‐2(5H)‐ylidene)acetic Acid

(E)‐ and (Z)‐5‐(bromomethylene)furan‐2(5H)‐one have been prepared starting from the commercially available adduct between furan and maleic anhydride. A bromodecarboxylation reaction is a key step in the synthesis. The reaction gives the (E)‐ or (Z)‐5‐(bromomethylene)furan‐2(5H)‐one as the major product, dependent on the method used in the bromodecarboxylation.