Volhard–Erdmann cyclization
From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
The Volhard–Erdmann cyclization is an organic synthesis of alkyl and aryl thiophenes by cyclization of disodium succinate or other 1,4-difunctional compounds (γ-oxo acids, 1,4-diketones, chloroacetyl-substituted esters) with phosphorus heptasulfide.The reaction is named after Jacob Volhard and Hugo Erdmann.[1]
An example is the synthesis of 3-methylthiophene starting from itaconic acid:[2]
