Efficient Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons intramolecular cyclisation of a N-substituted phthalimide promoted by KF-Alumina: a general tool for the synthesis of functionalised isoindolinones

An intramolecular Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction promoted by KF-Alumina involving a N-substituted phthalimide, cleanly and efficiently furnishes an interesting α,β-unsaturated tricyclic enone which may undergo selective alkylations at the α′-position.