Organic-base-catalyzed synthesis of phthalides via highly regioselective intramolecular cyclization reaction

The organic-base-catalyzed 5-exo intramolecular cyclization reaction of o-alkynylbenzoic acid produces the corresponding phthalide regioselectively in good to excellent yields. The method provides a practical access to the phthalides, an important class of biologically active molecules. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.