The Double Four-Component Ugi Reaction between Squaramic or Squaramide Acids with Alkyl Isocyanides, Amines and Aromatic Aldehydes

Stefano Marcaccini: a pioneer in isocyanide chemistry

Stefano Marcaccini was one of the pioneers in the use of isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions in organic synthesis. Throughout his career at the University of Florence he explored many different faces of isocyanide chemistry, especially those geared towards the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocycles. His work inspired many researchers who contributed to other important developments in the field of multicomponent reactions and created a school of synthetic chemists that continues today. In this manuscript we intend to review the articles on isocyanide multicomponent reactions published by Dr. Marcaccini and analyse their influence on the following works by other researchers. With this, we hope to highlight the immense contribution of Stefano Marcaccini to the development of isocyanide chemistry and modern organic synthesis as well as the influence of his research on future generations. We believe that this review will not only be a well-deserved tribute to the figure of Stefano Marcaccini, but will also serve as a useful inspiration for chemists working in this field.

Four-Component Reaction of α-naphthol, an Arylglyoxal, Aniline and a Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylate: A Michael Addition of Enamines to α,β-unsaturated γ-dicarbonyl Compounds

Seven new tetracyclic diesters [dialkyl 1-anilino-4-aryl-3-(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-oxobut-1-ene-1,2-dicarboxylates] have been prepared in good yield by a one-pot four-component reaction between enamine intermediates (as Michael donors) generated from aniline and a dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate and α,β-unsaturated γ-dicarbonyl intermediates (as Michael acceptors) generated from α-naphthol and an arylglyoxal without using a catalyst in ethanol at reflux conditions.