Organocatalytic Oxidative Annulation of Benzamide Derivatives with Alkynes

Organocatalytic annulation by functionalization of benzamide derivatives with alkynes has been developed. We report a new approach of cycloaddition under mild reaction conditions using simple catalysts, such as iodobenzene and peracetic acid, as oxidant. Those novel, mild reaction conditions provided a straightforward synthesis of isoquinolones with fast reaction rate. Notable selectivity in annulation of unsymmetrically disubstituted alkynes was demonstrated.