Cyclisation of 3-alkenylpyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines to furo[2,3-d]pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines

3-Alkenylpyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines react under mild conditions to give novel tricyclic furo[2,3-d]pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines in high yields. The cyclisation takes place in the presence of an acid catalyst. The product yield is affected by the type and the strength of the acid used. Exceptionally high yields were obtained when an organic acid like trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and trifluoroacetic acid were used. On the other hand, sulfuric acid gave the best results of the inorganic acids examined.