An environmentally benign solvent/catalyst-free one-pot synthesis of N-substituted phthalimides via Aza-wittig reaction

For the first time an environmentally benign solvent/catalyst-free protocol for the synthesis of a variety of N-substituted phthalimides is submitted. It involves a one-pot coupling of nascent phosphazene generated in situ with phthalic anhydride. The protocol is novel in (1) avoiding toxic solvents, (2) no catalyst is employed and (3) no isophthalimide is formed as noted in the prevailing solution phase/catalysed methodology.