A facile reaction involving zwitterionic intermediates for the synthesis of 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-one derivatives

The reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanide with various aldehydes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds catalyzed by piperidine is described. The protocol offers facile and efficient synthesis of 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-one derivatives from readily available starting materials in high yields.