Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 4-alkoxycarbonyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-ones

Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular cyclocarbonylation of diethyl (2-iodoaryl)malonates with N-tosylimines produces 4-ethoxycarbonyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-ones in moderate to good yields. This reaction is highly stereoselective. This protocol involves Mannich addition, and subsequent cyclocarbonylation.