Synthesis of α‐alkylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones via Ring‐cleavage/recyclization of 2‐Amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐furancarboxamides

The reactions of 2‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐furancarboxarnides 1a,b with cyanomethylene compounds (such as alkyl cyanoacetates and malononitrile) gave the corresponding ring‐opened products 2a‐f. Compounds 2a‐d reacted with methanesulfonic acid to give the corresponding α‐alkylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones 3a‐d. On the other hand, treatment of 2e,f with methanesulfonic acid yielded 3‐pyridinecarbonitrile derivatives 4a,b.