One-Pot Two-Step Double Annulation of N-Methoxybenzamides with Alkynes and Alkenes: Regioselective Construction of Isoindolo[2,1-b]isoquinolin-5(7H)-ones

A one-pot two-step double annulation strategy to produce isoindolo[2,1-b]isoquinolin-5(7H)-ones via the reaction of N-methoxybenzamides with symmetrical/unsymmetrical alkynes and alkenes has been developed, which proceeds through Ru-catalysed unsymmetrical double annulations using a single DG under single catalytic conditions. Furthermore, we have developed amide-alkyne regioselective annulations using unsymmetrical internal alkynes having oxygen/nitrogen substituents leading to a single isomer. The developed procedure offers broad substrate scope, tolerates a wide range of functional groups and affords good product yields. (Figure presented.).