One-pot three-component regioselective synthesis of linear naphtho[2,3-b]-furan-4,9-diones

The regioselective three-component condensation reaction of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone with isocyanides in the presence of a variety of aldehydes offers an easy one-pot access to linear naphtho[2,3-b]-furan-4,9-dione derivatives. This method has the advantage of good yields, high regioselectivity, and uses readily accessible substrates and reagents. The elucidation of regiochemistry has been accomplished by X-ray determination of some representative compounds.