Rapid formation of chemical complexity via a modified Biginelli reaction leading to dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one spiro-derivatives of triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine

The regio- and stereoselective, catalyst-free multicomponent synthesis of spiro-conjugated dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one/triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives in good to high yields via a Biginelli approach starting from ortho-substituted benzaldehydes, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and α-acetylbutyrolactone is reported. A plausible reaction mechanism for this transformation is discussed. The obtained heterocycles possess a drug-like conformationally restricted structure with defined stereochemistry and increased stability compared to other products obtained by this mode of the Biginelli reaction.