Furan ring opening ‐ indole ring closure: Synthesis of furo[2′,3′:3,4]‐cyclohepta[1,2‐b]indolium chlorides

A new synthetic approach to furo2′,3′:3,4]cyclohepta1,2‐b]indolium chlorides is elaborated starting from 2‐acetylaminoaryldifurylmethanes or 2‐aminoaryldifurylmethanes under treatment with methanolic HCl solution. The reaction proceeds in three steps: recyclization, intramolecular cyclization, and disproportionation. In this case the furan ring takes part in building up both pyrrole and seven‐membered rings. The same salts can be obtained directly from 2‐acetylaminobenzaldehydes and 2‐methylfuran under similar conditions without isolation of corresponding 2‐acetylaminoaryldifurylmethanes.