Preparation of perinones via a novel multicomponent synthesis of isoindole scaffold

A convenient procedure for the preparation of isoindole derivatives is described. The method is based on the multicomponent reaction of heterocyclic ketene aminals with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates in presence of DMAP. The reaction is very simple from an experimental point of view and allows the creation of a fused isoindole moiety with concomitant formation of benzene and pyrrole ring in a single operation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.