Synthesis of isoindolinones by Pd-catalyzed coupling between N-methoxybenzamide and styrene derivatives

Abstract

An atom-economical protocol for a tandem process involving Fujiwara-Moritani-aza-Wacker reactions has been developed for the Pd-catalyzed coupling between N-methoxy benzamide with styrene derivatives. The generality of the methodology was demonstrated by the synthesis of a library of twenty-five 3-benzylidene isoindolinones in moderate to good yields. A further twenty-two 3-benzyl derivatives were obtained by telescoping the process with a catalytic hydrogenation reaction.