Synthesis of trifluoromethyl-containing isoindolinones from tertiary enamides via a cascade radical addition and cyclization process.

A radical trifluoromethylation reaction of tertiary enamides was investigated and trifluoromethyl-containing isoindolinones were prepared under mild conditions. Using TMSCF 3 as a radical source, PhI(OAc) 2 as an oxidant and KHF 2 as an additive, tertiary enamides were converted to isoindolinones via a cascade addition and cyclization process in moderate to good yields.