N-Phenacylpyridinium bromides in the one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofurans

A one-pot three-component process for the synthesis of highly functionalized 2,3-dihydrofurans from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, aromatic aldehydes, and N-phenacylpyridinium bromides has been developed. Benzylidene 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds could be generated in situ from aromatic aldehydes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and then reacted smoothly with N-phenacylpyridinium bromides to produce 2,3-dihydrofurans in moderate to good yields. Piperidine/acetonitrile is the optimal condition for this process. To increase the efficiency of this reaction, this one-pot process was also conducted solvent-free under classical heating conditions and grinding conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.