A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of 2,5-dihydro-5-imino-2-methylfuran-3,4-dicarboxylates via an isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction

The zwitterion formed from an alkyl or aryl isocyanide and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate reacts with acetic anhydride or phthalic anhydride to form 2,5-dihydro-5-imino-2-methylfuran-3,4-dicarboxylates or benzo-fused spirolactones in relatively good yields at room temperature without using a catalyst.