Efficient syntheses of the versatile phthalide building blocks, 5,6-diaminoisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one and 5H,7H-furo[3,4-f][2,1,3]benzothiadiazol-5-one

A new and efficient synthesis of 5,6-diaminophthalide and a novel thiadiazolophthalide has been accomplished. Both molecules are useful starting compounds for the construction of more complex heterocyclic systems and for the preparation of bioisosteres of methylenedioxyphenyl derivatives.