Highly efficient method for the preparation of
The syntheses of benzofused isochalcogenazole derivatives via ortho-lithiation of isophthalamides is reported. N ,N′ -Dialkyl-isophthalamides, C6H4-1,3-(CONHR)2, bearing R = iPr or tBu substituents are readily ortho metalated by using 3.3 equiv. of n-BuLi/TMEDA. The organo lithium compounds react with S, Se, or Te to give 2-chalcogenol-isophthalamides, C6H3 -1,3- (CONHR)2-2-XH (X = S, Se, Te). Oxidation of the chalcogenols affords dichalcogenides under acidic and benzisochalcogenazoles under basic conditions, respectively. The formation of the five-membered heterocycles proceeds by disproportionation of the dichalcogenides. Oxidation of the benzisothiazoles by hydrogen peroxide gives access to substituted sulfin- and sulfonamides.