Unexpected Knoevenagel self-condensation reaction of tetronic acid: synthesis of a new class of organic heterocyclic salts

A new class of pyridinium, quinolinium, isoquinolinum, and N-methylimidazolium-3-(2,5-dihydro-5-oxofuran-3-yl)-4-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one salts have been prepared in high yields by reacting pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, N-methylimidazole, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and their derivatives with tetronic acid in CH2Cl2.