NHC-catalyzed oxidative cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 3-substituted phthalides†
Abstract
An efficient NHC-catalyzed domino oxidation/oxa-Michael addition reaction of 2-alkenylbenzaldehydes has been developed to afford 3-substituted phthalides bearing a C3-stereogenic center with a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance. The preliminary results of the asymmetric process have been provided as well.