Visible-light-driven photocatalyst-free multicomponent reaction for synthesis of C3-alkylated isoindolinones

A photocatalyst- and transition-metal-free three-component reaction of readily available 2-carboxybenzaldehydes, primary amines and 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (alkyl-DHPs) for the synthesis of C3-alkylated isoindolinones at room temperature under visible light irradiation has been accomplished. This transformation occurs smoothly under mild conditions to enable facile access to various C3-alkylated isoindolinones with high efficiency, wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, and can be readily scaled up. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this benign protocol is further showcased by its application to the late-stage functionalization of medicinally relevant complex molecules. A photocatalyst- and transition-metal-free three-component reaction of readily available 2-carboxybenzaldehydes, primary amines and 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (alkyl-DHPs) for the synthesis of C3-alkylated isoindolinones at room temperature under visible light irradiation has been accomplished. This transformation occurs smoothly under mild conditions to enable facile access to various C3-alkylated isoindolinones with high efficiency, wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, and can be readily scaled up.