Water as an oxygen source in I2-mediated construction of highly functionalized maleimide-fused phenols

Abstract

A novel protocol for the construction of multi-substituted 4-hydroxyisoindoline-1,3-diones through an I₂-mediated multicomponent cascade reaction has been described. This metal-free process involves the formation of three C–C bonds and one C–O bond with easily available raw materials in one pot, affording highly functionalized maleimide-fused phenols with structural diversity in satisfactory yields. ¹⁸O-labeling experiments have revealed that the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group was derived from water. In addition, a variety of further transformations have showcased the practicality and utility of the methodology.