Different synthetic routes leading to terpyridines functionalised with furan heterocycles are reviewed. The methodologies used to prepare such compounds include the ring closure of 1,5-diketones and cross-coupling reactions. These versatile terpyridines and their derived metal complexes find applications in various fields including coordination chemistry, medicinal chemistry and material sciences.

We report in this paper a new route for the synthesis of 4,4′,4′′-tricarboxy-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine. This synthetic pathway has a lower ecological impact with respect to yield, atom economy, solvent and chemicals used and wastes generated when compared to a previously reported method. In addition it uses furfural, which can be obtained from renewable sources. The title compound can be used to prepare complexes that are valuable for applications in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells.