A Nickel-Based, Tandem Catalytic Approach to Isoindolinones from Imines, Aryl Iodides, and CO

We describe herein a modular nickel-catalyzed synthesis of isoindolinones from imines, aryl iodides, and CO. This reaction is catalyzed by Ni­(1,5-cyclooctadiene)2 in concert with chloride salts and postulated to proceed via a tandem nickel-catalyzed carbonylation to form N-acyl iminium chloride salts, followed by a spontaneous nickel-catalyzed cyclization. A range of aryl iodides and imines have been found to be viable substrates in this reaction, providing a modular route to generate substituted isoindolinones with high atom economy.