Access to derivatives of 4-(arylthio)isocoumarins via hydrogen bonding network assisted electrophilic cyclization

Abstract

We have developed an efficient and straightforward method for the construction of the derivatives of 4-(arylthio)isochromenones via hydrogen bonding network-assisted sulfenylation and electrophilic cyclization by using electrophilic N-thiosuccinimides and 2-silynylbenzoates. Hexafluoroisopropanol as a promoter is indispensable in this catalyst-free protocol. Besides, the silyl group was crucial for the successful transformation.