The copper-catalyzed synthesis of 3-vinylisocoumarin-1-imine is reported. The transformation proceeds smoothly with good yields in THF and the regioselectivity was determined by a O-nucleophilic 6-endo cyclization. Studies on the mechanism indicate that copper trifluoroacetate serves as a Lewis acid, and the use of vinyl-connected 2-alkynylbenzamide is important for this O-nucleophilic 6-endo cyclization.
Key words
copper catalysis - O-nucleophilic 6-
endo cyclization - Lewis acid - vinyl-connected 2-alkynylbenzamide - isocoumarin