Synthesis of polycyclic isoindoline derivatives via tandem Pd-catalyzed coupling, propargyl-allenyl isomerization, [4 + 2] cycloaddition and aromatization reaction.

We report in this paper an interesting sequential reaction involving sequential Sonogashira coupling, propargyl-allenyl isomerization, [4 + 2] cycloaddition and aromatization reaction, which provides a facile method for the synthesis of a variety of polycyclic isoindoline derivatives from easily accessible starting materials.