Imidazolium ylide mediated tandem Knoevenagel–Michael–O-cyclization sequence for the synthesis of multi-substituted 4,5-dihydrofurans

Abstract

The stereoselective syntheses of novel trans-5-aroyl-2,4-diaryl-4,5-dihydrofuran-3-carbonitriles have been achieved via a one-pot, three-component tandem protocol involving aroyl acetonitriles, aromatic aldehydes, and imidazolium ylide in the presence of Et₃N.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Aroylacetonitrile
• 45-dihydrofuran
• imidazolium ylide
• Knoevenagel reaction
• tandem reaction

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi for funds under IRHPA program for the high-resolution NMR facility in the Department.

Additional information

Funding

The project was supported by Researchers Supporting Project number RSP-2020/231, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.