Annulation of <i>o</i>-Quinodimethanes through N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis for the Synthesis of 1-Isochromanones

Abstract

The activation of 2-(bromomethyl)benzaldehydes using N-heterocyclic carbenes represents a novel approach to the generation of o-quinodimethane (o-QDM) intermediates. Coupling with ketones such as phenylglyoxylates, isatins, or trifluoromethyl ketones via [4 + 2] annulation gives access to functionalized 1-isochromanones.