10.1021/jo00179a002
The research focuses on the synthesis of 3-aryl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivatives, including the natural products hydrangenol and phyllodulcin, using a benzamide directed ortho metalation strategy. The purpose of the study was to develop an efficient and general method for synthesizing these compounds, which are of pharmacological interest due to their potential antifungal and sweetening properties. The researchers utilized various benzamides, such as N,N-diethyl-2-methylbenzamide and N,N-dimethyl-2-methoxybenzamide, along with reagents like lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) and sec-butyl lithium, to achieve the desired metalation and subsequent reactions. The conclusions drawn from the study indicate that the benzamide directed metalation approach is a powerful and adaptable method for synthesizing alkoxy-substituted isocoumarins, which are difficult to prepare by classical routes.