Catalyst-free synthesis of novel 4H-indeno[1,2-b]furan-4-ones and furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines in water

An operationally simple, catalyst-free, and efficient protocol for the synthesis of novel 4H-indeno1,2-b]furan-4-one and furo2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives by a one-pot reaction of 2-aminopyridines, 1,3-indandione, or barbituric acid and phenylglyoxal monohydrate in water at reflux, involving domino aldol condensation, Michael addition, and ring-closing reactions is described. This transformation has several advantages, including high yield, short reaction duration, simple workup, and simple purification.