The Reactions of Arylmethylidene(ethylidene)furanones with NNucleophiles

Background: Despite the large number of publications in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds based on unsaturated lactones, there are no systematic and modern data's on 3-arylmethylidene- 3H-furan-2-ones. These compounds are convenient starting materials for the synthesis of azaheterocycles and are of independent interest as biologically active compounds. This review examines the interaction of (3H) furan-2-ones with a variety of N-nucleophiles. Methods: A systematic search of published data on the interaction of (3H) furan-2-ones with a variety of N-nucleophiles was done. All the information collected was analyzed for quality and reliability. Results: 55 articles were analyzed, of which more than 50% of the articles over the past 15 years. Conclusion: It was shown, that 3-arylmethylidene-3H-furan-2-ones are available as substrates for construction of heterocyclic systems with large preparative capabilities. A wide range of heterocycles has been synthesized, which are promising for further studies as both synthons for fine organic synthesis and substrates for the design of new biologically active compounds.