Efficient synthesis of functionalized butenolides mediated by vinyltriphenylphosphonium salts in aqueous media

An efficient synthesis of 5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-3-furancarboxylate derivatives via reaction of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate with triphenylphosphine (Ph3P) in the presence of activated carbonyl compounds such as ethyl pyruvate, benzil, benzoylcyanide, biacetyle or N-alkylisatins is described.