10.1016/j.tetlet.2012.10.001
The study presents an environmentally benign and operationally simple method for the regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-3-methyleneisoindolinones in an aqueous micellar medium. The key chemicals involved include 2-iodo-N-phenyl-benzamides and terminal alkynes as starting materials. The reaction is catalyzed by Pd(CH3CN)Cl2 in the presence of 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene as a ligand, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant to form micelles, which enhance the solubility and reaction efficiency. The use of DBU as a base is crucial for achieving high yields. This Cu-free domino Sonogashira reaction followed by 5-exo-dig cyclization under aerobic conditions allows for the synthesis of a library of (Z)-3-methyleneisoindolinones with high yields and short reaction times, highlighting the eco-friendly and efficient nature of the protocol.