A four-component synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrroles
was developed
under metal-free conditions. The pyrrole ring was formed in one pot
through [2 + 1 + 1 + 1] condensation using ammonium salt as the nitrogen
source. In this strategy, 1,4-naphthoquinones and maleimides were
used as the versatile C2 fragments to provide substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-diones and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-diones, respectively. This work is highlighted by using
ammonium salt as the nitrogen source, readily available starting materials
and multibond formation (two C–C and two C–N bonds)
in a single operation.