Facile synthesis of benzoindoles and naphthofurans through carbonaceous material-catalyzed cyclization of naphthylamines/naphthols with nitroolefins in water

A facile and efficient approach has been established for the synthesis of benzoindole and naphthofuran derivatives via the metal-free cyclization reaction of nitroolefins with naphthylamines/naphthols. Various substituted benzoindoles and naphthofurans are obtained in good to excellent yields. Moreover, the ability to recycle the carbonaceous material makes this method quite cost-effective and environmentally benign compared to traditional acid-catalyzed methods. Theoretical studies indicated that the reaction between naphthylamine and nitroolefin catalyzed by this solid acid was thermodynamically controlled at 60 degrees C, resulting in the formation of the benzoindoles.