Efficient Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons intramolecular cyclisation of a N-substituted phthalimide promoted by KF-Alumina: a general tool for the synthesis of functionalised isoindolinones

An intramolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction promoted by KF-Alumina involving a N-substituted phthalimide, cleanly and efficiently furnishes an interesting alpha,beta-unsaturated tricyclic enone which may undergo selective alkylations at the alpha'-position. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.