Synthesis of 4-azo-butenolides

Abstract

An efficient, catalyst-free, microwave-assisted approach has been developed for the synthesis of 4-azo-butyenolides derivatives by condensing tetronic acid with various anilines. This approach exhibited good functional group compatibility and produced the desired products in good to excellent yields in just 30–40 min. This approach can be seen as a better alternative to protocols with long reaction times used for the synthesis of these compounds, which are synthons for the obtaining of quinolines.