Synthesis of Isocoumarins via Silver(I)-Mediated Annulation of Enol Esters

Silver-mediated annulation of 2-iodo enol esters leading to 4- and 3,4-substituted isocoumarins was accomplished selectively at room temperature. Coupling of 2-iodo benzoic acids with enolates that were produced in situ from the simple esters was also performed to produce isocoumarins under analogous reaction conditions. Owing to the mildness of the current protocol, 4-acyl 3-substituted isocoumarins were efficiently produced without any deacylation.