Isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions: synthesis of alkyl-2-(1-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate and isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrrole derivatives.

A novel four-component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile, isocyanides, and alcohols has been developed for a highly efficient preparation of alkyl-2-(1-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate derivatives. This high atom economy reaction led to the construction of two carbon-carbon bonds, one amide, and one ester group in a single synthetic step. Furthermore, a three-component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile, and isocyanides in dichloromethane for the preparation of isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles has been reported.