Copper-catalyzed one-pot reactions of acetyl chloride, o-halobenzoic acids and Wittig reagents toward 3-methyl isocoumarin synthesis

The one-pot reactions of acetyl chloride, o-halobenzoic acids and Wittig reagents providing 3-methyl isocoumarins have been furnished via tandem Wittig reaction, oxa-Michael addition and C-C cross coupling. Three new chemical bonds including one C-O, one C=C and one C-C bond are generated via the catalysis of a simple copper salt for the heterocycle construction.