Mild and efficient syntheses of diverse isoindolinones from ortho-phthaldehydic acid methylthiomethyl ester

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of diverse isoindolinones from o-phthaldehydic acid methylthiomethyl ester and aliphatic/aromatic amines has been developed. A number of nucleophiles including a hydride ion were successfully added to the intermediate Schiff's base providing isoindolinones, with or without substitution at 3-position. Conditions have also been developed for amines with an integrated nucleophilic group to react in a diverse fashion either to give isoindolinones or tricyclic γ-lactams as single diastereoisomers in very good yield.