An environmentally benign and atom-economical protocol for the regioselective synthesis of isoquinolones from o-alkynylaldehydes

Abstract

An environmentally benign, transition metal- and base-free, iodine-promoted atom-economical protocol for the synthesis of the privileged isoquinolone scaffold via regioselective intramolecular iodoamidation of alkynes under mild conditions has been developed. The present synthetic approach being metal, additive, and solvent-free adheres to the principles of green chemistry, as it tends to minimize waste production. The synthesized product contains an iodo as well as a free –OH group that is readily accessible for subsequent transformation to afford biologically relevant compounds.