Divergent pathways for reactions of CF3-containing Isobenzofuran-1-ones and amines

Unprecedented isobenzofuran-l-ones (phthalides) with CF3 and ethoxy groups both at the 3-position were readily synthesized from the corresponding aromatic 1,2-diesters and reacted with a variety of primary amines to find out convenient conversion to the corresponding gamma-lactams, while secondary amines behaved in a totally different manner to affect the net substitution reactions for the EtO moiety, where characteristics of the strongly electron-withdrawing CF3 group was considered to play a significantly important role.