A Short and Efficient Synthesis of Isoindolin-1-ones

Here, we report a short and efficient synthesis of iso­indolin-1-ones. Base-induced cyclization of o-hydroxymethyl­benzamides, which was easily prepared from the corresponding phthalides and amines, led predominantly to N-alkylation in good yield. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions and bromine and nitrile substituents were tolerated. The selectivity is explained by HASB theory.