Py–GO as a new acid–base bifunctional catalyst was synthesized and employed for the one-pot synthesis of β-phosphonomalonates in water.
One-pot synthesis of (2-furanylmethylene)malononitrile, a Knoevenagel product of furfural with malononitrile, from xylose efficiently proceeded by combined use of acid Amberlyst-15 and acid-base Cr/hydrotalcites in 44% yield.