Efficient synthesis of new tricyclic pyrano[3,2-c]pyridine derivatives

Reaction between arylidenemalononitriles and acetoacetanilide in the presence of piperazine hydrate in methanol at room temperature affords new tricyclic pyrano[3,2-c]pyridine derivatives of (rac-1S*,2R*,3R*,7R*,8R*,11R*)-2,11-diaryl-4,10-diimino-8-methyl-5-phenyl-6-oxo-9-oxa-5-azatricyclo-[5.3.1.0^3,8]undecane-1,3-dicarbonitrile family in yields of 55–84%. The molecular structures of the products were confirmed by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.