Chiral heterocycles have been described as interesting biologically active agents [1]. Recently, we reported the synthesis of some chiral heterocyles through incorporation of chiral amino acids onto the heterocyclic rings [2, 3]. In the present work we report the synthesis of some new chiral isoindoline-1,3-diones as potential precursors for the synthesis of other chiral compounds. Sequential treatment of phthalic anhydride with L- amino acids and thionyl chloride afforded their corresponding 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl) alkanoyl chlorides. Friedel- Crafts acylation of substituted benzenes with these compounds proceeded smoothly to give the optically active isoindoline-1,3-diones (scheme1).

Keywords