Facile Reagent‐Free Synthesis of Furo[3,2‐c]pyridinones and Their Polynuclear Analogues with DDQ as Precursor

Abstract

A variety of furo[3,2‐c]pyridinones and their polynuclear analogues were achieved via a one‐step oxidative cyclization using 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) as both the oxidant and the building block without auxiliary reagents under very mild conditions. The 4‐hydroxylpyridinones, pyranones, and pyrimidinones are applicable in such transformations, demonstrating the astonishing generality of this furan assembly. This powerful protocol enables ready access to furan‐fused heterocycles.