Probing the reactivity of o-phthalaldehydic acid/methyl ester: Synthesis of N-isoindolinones and 3-arylaminophthalides

Abstract

A new method for the synthesis of N-substituted isoindolinones and 3-arylaminophthalides was developed through aza-Wittig/cyclisation. The reaction of o-phthalaldehydic acid methyl ester with benzylic, aromatic and aliphatic azides gave N-isoindolinones whereas reaction of o-phthalaldehydic acid with the aromatic azides gave 3-arylaminophthalides. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.