Base-Promoted Tandem Cyclization for the Synthesis of Polyfunctional 2-Hydroxy-2,3-dihydrofurans from Arylglyoxal Monohydrates and 3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile

An efficient base-promoted tandem cyclization for the synthesis of polyfunctional 2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydrofurans from arylglyoxal monohydrates and 3-(1 H -indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile has been established. The investigation of the mechanism suggested that this reaction proceeds through a Knoevenagel condensation–Michael addition–oxidation–cyclization sequence. This method demonstrates the compatibility with a wide range of functional groups to produce the 2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydrofuran scaffolds in good to excellent yields in one pot.