Sustainable synthesis of 3-substituted phthalides via a catalytic one-pot cascade strategy from 2-formylbenzoic acid with β-keto acids in glycerol

Background: Phthalides are privileged constituents of numerous pharmaceuticals, natural products and agrochemicals and exhibit several biological and therapeutic activities. Therefore, the development of new, facile, and sustainable strategies for the construction of these moieties is highly desired. Results: A broad substrate scope for β-keto acids was found to be strongly compatible with this catalytic process, affording a wide variety of 3-substituted phthalides in good to excellent yields. Conclusion: A concise and efficient synthesis strategy of 3-substituted phthalides from 2-formylbenzoic acid and β-keto acids via a catalytic one-pot cascade reaction in glycerol has been accomplished.