Ni(II)-Catalyzed Highly Stereo- and Regioselective Syntheses of Isoindolinones and Isoquinolinones from in Situ Prepared Aldimines Triggered by Homoallylation/Lactamization Cascade

An efficient route to isoindolinones and isoquinolinones has been achieved via a domino Ni-catalyzed homoallylation/lactamization from in situ prepared imines, derived from o-formyl benzoates and o-formyl arylacetates, with conjugated dienes promoted by diethylzinc. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature for a variety of aldehydes, amines, and dienes. The method involves one C–C and two C–N bond forming events under operationally simple conditions.