Isochromans from 2-(3′,4′-dihydroxy)phenylethanol

A facile method to obtain an isochromanic structure was achieved by the oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction using 2-(3′,4′-dihydroxy)phenylethanol as starting material. The reaction was performed in very mild conditions on a series of carbonylic compounds. Yields were always satisfactory.