Organic synthesis in water: a green protocol for the synthesis of 2-(cyclohexylamino)-3-aryl- indeno[1,2-b]furan-4-ones

Aldehydes, 1,3-indandione and cyclohexylisocyanide undergo smooth coupling-cyclization in water to produce the corresponding 2-(cyclohexylamino)-3-aryl- indeno [1,2-b] furan-4-ones in good yields. Water was used as a solvent to avoid the use of other highly toxic and environmentally unfavorable solvents for this synthesis.