Isoindolinone synthesis through Rh/Cu-catalyzed oxidative C–H/N–H annulation of N-methoxy benzamides with saturated ketones

Abstract

The synthesis of isoindolinones from N-methoxy benzamides and saturated ketones via a bimetallic tandem catalytic annulation has been accomplished. The reaction is catalyzed by a Rh/Cu-cocatalytic system and proceeds via the combination of Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ketones and Rh-catalyzed direct C–H functionalization with the assistance of the N-methoxy amide group which also acts as an oxidant to regenerate the Rh catalyst. This method shows good compatibility with a wide range of substrates and functional groups, and provides an alternative strategy to obtain diverse isoindolinones.