Palladium(II)-catalyzed tandem annulation reaction of o-alkynylbenzoates with methyl vinyl ketone for the synthesis of isocoumarins

A palladium(II)-catalyzed highly regioselective tandem reactions of o-alkynylbenzoates with methyl vinyl ketone for the synthesis of isocoumarins was developed. It is a convenient, mild and environmentally benign reaction with moderate to high yield. The reaction is initiated by the Pd(II) species and regenerate the Pd(II) species to complete the catalytic cycle without the necessity of a redox system.