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.

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Graphical Abstract  A simple and efficient synthesis of 2-(cyclohexylamino)-3-aryl- indeno[1,2-b]furan-4-ones was achieved via a one-pot three-component reaction of cyclohexylisocyanide, aldehydes, and 1,3-indandione in water for 5 h in good yields. zFX