A domino reaction of alpha,beta-acetylenic gamma-hydroxy nitriles with arenecarboxylic acids: an unexpected facile shortcut to 4-cyano-3(2H)-furanones.

An unexpected facile domino reaction of alpha,beta-acetylenic gamma-hydroxy nitriles with arenecarboxylic acids (Et(3)N, MeCN, 20-25 degrees C, 48 h) affords 4-cyano-3(2H)-furanones in 67-86% yield. The reaction is triggered by the addition of an arenecarboxylic acid to a triple bond, followed by the domino reaction sequence: intramolecular transesterification-enol formation and Claisen condensation of the ketoacetonitrile tautomer with ester functional group.