New methodology for the synthesis of non-racemic isoindolinone targets has
been developed through application of tricyclic gamma-lactam substrates as
N-acyliminium ion precursors in reactions with carbon and hydride nucleophi
les. Removal of the phenylglycinol derived chiral auxiliary can be achieved
without loss of stereochemical integrity at the newly created asymmetric c
entre, and we report a novel method for this key step using conc. sulfuric
acid.