Synthesis of Isoquinolones by Sequential Suzuki Coupling of 2-Halobenzonitriles with Vinyl Boronate Followed by Cyclization.

A novel, facile, and expeditious two-step synthesis of 3,4-unsubstituted isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones from a Suzuki cross-coupling between 2-halobenzonitriles and commercially available vinyl boronates followed by platinum-catalyzed nitrile hydrolysis and cyclization is described.