Synthesis and X-ray structure of stable 2H-isoindoles

Abstract

Stable 2H-isoindoles with electron-withdrawing groups were prepared using the reaction of dinitrobenzene derivatives with isocyanoacetate in the presence of DBU. The use of acetonitrile as the solvent or a phosphazene base (BTPP) as a non-ionic base improved the yields. The structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of the compound 2e′. According to the X-ray analysis, this substance existed in the solid phase only as the 2H-isomer.