Abstract One-pot synthesis of 3,4-diaryl substituted 2(5H)-furanones was established and its commercial application has been demonstrated by accomplishing total synthesis of rofecoxib, under mild reaction conditions, with good yields and purity. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
[reaction: see text]. 5-Acylamino butenolides can be assembled by a multicomponent reaction (MCR) of isocyanides, glyoxals, and acetophosphonic acid diethylesters, followed by a intramolecular Wittig-type reaction. The reaction can be performed either in one pot or with the isolation of the intermediate Passerini product. This versatile reaction offers three independent inputs displayed in the final