Facile One-Pot Method for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Phthalide Derivatives

Abstract A new three-component cyclization method is described involving two starting materials, ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate and aldehydes, catalyzed by piperidine, acid, and iodine. Ten corresponding polysubstituted phthalides are formed with good yields (44–78%). A mechanism of the reaction is also proposed.