Synthesis of different isoindolone embedded heterocycles with phenolic subunits from a common intermediate, 3-(2′-hydroxyaroyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-ones

A series of biologically important isoindolone embedded heterocycles such as tetracyclic 2,4-diamino-5-aryl-10-oxo-10H-1,10a-diazaindeno[2,1-a]indene-3-carbonitriles and tricyclic 1-aryl-3,5-dioxo-1H-imidazo-[3,4-b]isoindoles have been synthesized from an easily derived common intermediate, 3-(2′-hydroxyaroyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-ones. The significant advantages of the present methodologies are the use of simple and easily available starting materials and reagents, operational simplicity, and good yields of the products with high atom-economy.