Harry R. Snyder, Jr. and Frank F. Ebetino ... A new synthesis of furo[2,3-b]pyridines starting with a-aminofurans is described. ... The reported biological activity of the furo[2,3-b]- quinoline alkaloids (2) prompted an investigation of the simpler furo[2,3-b]pyridine ring. A search of the literature revealed that relatively little work had been reported concerning the synthesis of this ring system. The earliest reference discussed the ring closure of a pyridine derivative to a ...