Acid-mediated Cyclization of 3-Benzoyl-2-cyanobutyronitrile to 2-Amino-4-methyl-5-phenylfuran-3-carbonitrile

Abstract

Cyclization of 3-benzoyl-2-cyanobutyronitrile to 2-amino-4-methyl-5-phenylfuran-3-carbonitrile was effected under acidic conditions, rather than the basic conditions previously reported. Since treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at room temperature is very mild, 2-amino-4-methyl-5-phenylfuran-3-carbonitriles containing various functional groups can be accessed via this route.