Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cyclization of Aromatic Nitriles with Alkenes: Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)-3-Methyleneisoindolin-1-ones

Aromatic nitriles underwent cyclization with activated alkenes in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst, AgSbF6, and Cu(OAc)(2)center dot H2O providing substituted 3-methyleneisoindolin-1-ones with high Z-stereoselectivity. The Z-stereoselectivity of the 3-methyleneisoindolin-1-one moiety was controlled by the intramolecular hydrogen bonding.