Synthesis of diverse phenylglycine derivatives via transformation of Ugi four-component condensation primary adducts

3-(N-Substituted)amino-4-arylamino-1H-isochromenones (isocoumarins) which can be regarded as the enediamine tautomers of the Ugi four-component condensation primary adducts between 2-formylbenzoic acids, arylamines, and isocyanides undergo a facile ring cleavage with amines to give a series of phenylglycine derivatives. Thus, a synthetically useful post-condensation transformation of Ugi four-component condensation primary adducts is described for the first time.