In connection with studies on orientation of furan and the synthesis of beta-substituted furans, condensation reactions have been effected with diazomethane, aryl-diazonium compounds, diazoacetic ester and related types with furan and its derivatives. The condensations in some cases are preceded by 1,2- and 1,4- additions. It appears that the difficulty in preparing simple furan-diazonium compounds is due, in part, to the ready coupling reaction of the diazonium group with the furan nucleus