Synthesis of tricyclic 3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones via triethylamine-catalyzed domino reactions of electron-deficient alkynes with phthalimidomalonate derivatives

A triethylamine-catalyzed domino reaction between phthalimidomalonate derivatives and activated alkynes has been developed. This catalytic protocol is applicable to the synthesis of structurally functionalized N-fused tricyclic 3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones.