Synthesis of 3-(Bromomethylene)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones through regioselective 5-exo-dig bromocyclization of 2-alkynylbenzoic acids

A direct synthesis of 3-(bromomethylene)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones from 2-alkynylbenzoic acids is developed through a regioselective 5-exo-dig bromocyclization. The reaction proceeds smoothly with a broad substrate scope. The products can be further elaborated via a palladium-catalyze cross-coupling reaction, or can convert to other heterocycles through simple operation. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that this transformation undergoes a radical process. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.