Synthesis of phosphaisoquinolin-1-ones by Pd(II)-catalyzed cyclization of o-(1-alkynyl)phenylphosphonamide monoesters

A Pd(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of o-(1-alkynyl)phenylphosphonamide monoethyl esters was examined, and a new class of six-membered phosphorus heterocycles (phosphaisoquinolin-1-ones) were formed with high regioselectivity and good yields. The present reaction is the first example of intramolecular addition of P-NH to substituted alkynes, which provides a valuable way to synthesize novel phosphorus heterocycles with potential bioactivities.