Metal-free Deamidative Ugi Access to Isoindolinones

A two-step isoindolone synthesis has been achieved by using an Ugi/oxidative vicarious nucleophilic substitution sequence starting from 3-nitrobenzoic acid and aromatic aldehydes. Loss of the amido group was observed as well as a further oxidative process towards hydroxyisoindolone derivatives after prolonged stirring open to the atmosphere.