An efficient strategy for synthesis of 2,6‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives in water

An efficient approach for the synthesis of 2,6‐dimethyl‐1,3‐diarylpyrano[4,3‐b]pyrrol‐4(1H)‐one derivatives has been established. The reaction was performed in aqueous media using readily available and inexpensive 6‐methyl‐4‐(phenylamino)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one and nitroolefin as substrates. The present methodology shows many attractive advantages, such as using water as green reaction media, inexpensive and environmentally friendly acetic acid as catalyst, easy work‐up procedure, and good to excellent yields.