Regioselective synthesis of N-aminoisoindolones and mono-N- and di-N,N'-substituted phthalazones utilizing hydrazine nucleophiles in a palladium-catalyzed three-component cascade process.

A palladium-catalyzed three-component cascade process for the synthesis of isoindolone and phthalazone derivatives is reported. The cascade process involves carbonylation of an aryl iodide/Michael acceptor to give an acylpalladium species which is intercepted by a hydrazine nucleophile. Intramolecular Michael addition follows to give either N-aminoisoindolones or mono- N- and di-N,N'-phthalazones depending on whether a monosubstituted or 1,2-disubstituted hydrazine nucleophile is used.