Copper nanoparticles catalyzed economical synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarins from 2-chlorobenzoic acids/amides and 1,3-diketones

Copper nanoparticles were utilized as a highly efficient catalyst for a facile and economical synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarins with 2-chlorobenzoic acids and 1,3-diketones as starting materials. The copper nanoparticles catalyst showed highly catalytic activity for the 2-chloro-substituted substrates to afford 3-substituted isocoumarins in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, good catalytic activity was also observed when 2-chlorobenzoic amides were utilized as substrates instead of the benzoic acids.