Synthesis of Isoindolinones by Pd-Catalyzed Coupling between N-Methoxybenzamide and Styrene Derivatives.

An atom-economical protocol for a tandem process involving Fujiwara-Moritani-aza-Wacker reactions has been developed for the Pd-catalyzed coupling between N-methoxy benzamide and styrene derivatives. The generality of the methodology was demonstrated by the synthesis of a library of 25 3-benzylidene isoindolinones in moderate to good yields. A further 40 3-benzyl derivatives were obtained by telescoping the process with a catalytic hydrogenation reaction.