An Expedient Access into Functionalized Furan/3(2<i>H</i>)-furanone Ensembles via Microwave-Assisted Domino Reactions

<div><p></p><p>A one-pot linkage between furan and 3(2H)-furanone rings has been effected via the microwave-assisted Et₃N-catalyzed domino condensation of the furan and benzofuran carboxylic acids with available cyanopropargylic alcohols (MeCN, 100 °C, 1.2 atm, 2-17 h). Despite involving a number of C-H-forming/breaking steps, the assembly is chemoselective and the final products, 5-(2-furyl)-3(2H)-furanones, are formed in 59-96% yields.</p></div