Graphene oxide: a green oxidant-acid bifunctional carbon material for the synthesis of functionalized isoindolin-1-ones via format amide insertion and substitution

A formal amide insertion and substitution reaction for the synthesis of functionalized isoindolin-1-ones was developed on the basis of graphene oxide (GO) as a green and oxidant-acid bifunctional carbon material. A series of N-acylisoindolin-1-ones were synthesized in good to excellent yields directly from benzoisofurans and nitrites in the presence of GO without the need for any additives or metals.