1996 Volume 44 Issue 2 Pages 448-450
The anions derived form O-aroylmendelonitriles 1 reacted with Michael addition acceptors such as acrylonitrile (7) and methyl acrylate (10) to give the corresponding 1, 4-diketones 12, 13, and 15 in moderate to good yields. Under acidic conditions, the 1, 4-diketones 12, 13, and 15 were converted into the furans 17, 18 and 19 in good yields.