An O‐to‐N Swapping Reaction via Triflic Anhydride‐Mediated Lactamization of 3,3‐Diarylbenzofuranones with Nitriles

Skeletal editing has been achieved through triflic anhydride‐mediated O‐to‐N swapping reaction of 3,3‐diarylbenzofuranones with benzonitriles/benzyl/alkyl nitriles, successfully affording 3,3‐diarylisoindolinones. A possible reaction mechanism with triflic anhydride serving as a key mediator is proposed to explain this conversion. The present reaction features a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance and high yields, expanding the structural diversity of isoindolinones.