Nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative addition of phthalimides to alkynes

An intermolecular nickel-catalyzed addition reaction has been developed where N-arylphthalimides react with alkynes to afford substituted isoquinolones. A mechanistic rationale is proposed, implying nucleophilic attack of Ni(0) to an amide as the primary step of the catalytic cycle.