A mild entry to isoindolinones from furfural as renewable resource

A convenient transformation of furfural and derivatives into arene compounds is described. This process provides a straightforward access to isoindolinones from a renewable resource via the sequence of a tandem Ugi-Diels-Alder process followed by a ring-opening, dehydrating aromatisation. Five bonds are created and water is the sole by-product during this two-step sequence.