10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03409
The study reports a Pd(II)/Cu(II)-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (E)-3-arylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones using air as the terminal oxidant. The reaction involves a one-pot C?C/C?N bond forming sequence between amides and styrenes. The Pd(II) catalyst is crucial for the initial bond formation and cyclization, while Cu(II) acts as a co-oxidant, with air serving as a sustainable oxidant to regenerate the active Pd(II) catalyst. This method provides a mild, efficient, and environmentally friendly route to synthesize a wide range of (E)-3-arylmethyleneisoindolin-1-ones with good functional group tolerance. The study also demonstrates the synthetic utility of this method in the efficient total syntheses of aristolactam and indoloisoquinolinone alkaloids, highlighting its potential in natural product and pharmaceutical synthesis.