Synthesis of Isocoumarin Derivatives via the Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Sequential Cyclization of 2-Halo-N-phenyl Benzamides and Acyclic 1,3-Diketones

A facile and rapid synthesis of isocoumarin derivatives using a copper-catalyzed tandem C-C/C-O coupling strategy from readily available substrates is described. The reactions of a wide range of 2-iodo-N-phenyl benzamides and acyclic diketones as starting materials were investigated.