Metal-Free Synthesis of Anthranils by PhIO Mediated Heterocyclization of ortho-Carbonyl Anilines

Here, we report a metal-free synthesis of anthranils from ortho-carbonyl anilines using PhIO as a sole additive under ambient conditions. This methodology did not require any external additives and delivered anthranils in excellent yields with broad substrate scope. The mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via in-situ generation of iminoiodane leading to nitrene and a subsequent nucleophilic attack from oxygen of ortho-carbonyl aniline on nitrene results in heterocyclization.