Simple synthesis of 7H-phenaleno[1,2-b]furan-7-one derivatives by one-pot, three-component reactions.

The reaction of alkyl isocyanides with various aldehydes and 3-hydroxy-1 H-phenalene-1-one is described. The protocol offers facile and efficient synthesis of biologically interesting 9-(alkyl or arylamino)-7 H-phenaleno[1,2- b]furan-7-one derivatives from readily available starting materials in high yields.