Active methylene compounds in a very effective approach to 3-substituted isobenzofuranones through tandem aldol/lactonization reactions

In this article we describe a new accessible methodology for the synthesis of isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones. In this process we exploited an effective, economic, useful and environmentally benign K2CO3 catalyzed, solvent-free one-pot tandem aldol-lactonization reaction between active methylene compounds and methyl 2-carboxy benzaldehyde. A particularly simple work-up and purification procedure are additional advantages addressed to a general green chemistry approach to this important class of heterocyclic compounds.