isoindolinones from N-alkoxybenzamides is presented. Isoindolinone formation proceeds
through a highly efficient and E-selective C–H activation/Heck/Aza-Wacker sequence.
Substoichiometric amounts of benzoquinone can be employed in a cooperative oxidation
system with O2, leading to facile purification of products. Modification of the reaction
conditions provides a general route to substituted phthalimides by carbonylation with CO …