An efficient strategy for synthesis of new functionalized furo[3,2‐c]pyridin‐4(5H)‐one derivatives under mild conditions.

In this study, we prepared a series of 5‐alkyl‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐arylfuro[3,2‐c]pyridin‐4(5H)‐one derivatives via the reaction of 1‐substitued 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methylpyridin‐2(1H)‐ones with various nitrostyrenes using triethylamine as catalyst. This strategy not only provided various new 5‐alkyl‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐arylfuro[3,2‐c]pyridin‐4(5H)‐ones, but also expanded the scope of application of active intermediate nitrostyrenes. Meanwhile, this method has the advantages of inexpensive and easily available starting materials, step economy, metal‐free catalytic system, good to excellent yields and operational simplicity. A total of 22 heterocyclic compounds were obtained to exhibit a broad substrate scope of the strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]