Approaches to the Formation of Condensed Isoindolones

The development of novel synthetic methods for the preparation of condensed aromatic and saturated isoindolones containing one or more heteroatoms is described and several new types of related ring systems are presented. The frequently applied N-acyliminium ion cyclization, the cyclocondensation of dicarbonyl compounds (e.g. γ-oxoacids) with amines and the photoinduced intramolecular ring-closure of N-substituted phthalimides are utilized in the syntheses. The enantioselective and diastereoselective procedures with the ratios of the isomers obtained are also discussed.