The development of the three-component catalytic system for constructing isoindolinones from simple feedstocks is both significant and challenging. In this study, a unique tartrate-linked dimeric samarium-antimonotungstate [Sm2(H2O)6(tar)(Sb2W21O72)]220- (Sm4tar2, H4tar = tartaric acid) was synthesized via a one-step method at room temperature using an acetate buffer solution. The dimeric polyanion of Sm4tar2 shows a centrosymmetric structure with a parallelogram-like arrangement and comprises two enantiomeric {Sm2(H2O)6(Sb2W21O72)} moieties connected by two enantiomeric tar ligands. Sm4tar2 demonstrates efficient catalytic activity in the three-component reaction involving 2-acylbenzoic acids, primary amines, and phosphine oxides to form 3,3-disubstituted isoindolinones. This finding enables an effective molecular fragment assembly strategy for synthesizing isoindolinone drug precursor skeletons.

Heterocyclics are the crucial scaffolds present in pharmaceuticals, natural products, biologically active compounds and agrochemicals. Consequently, the development of simple and practical methods for constructing heterocyclics has always been a fascinating field in organic synthesis. Recently, 2-acylbenzoic acids as highly reactive and versatile synthons have been broadly applied in the construction of heterocycles due to their multiple reaction sites. In this review, we summarized recent progress in the application of 2-acylbenzoic acids for the synthesis of heterocycles including phthalides, isochromanones, isoindolines, phthalazinones, and quinolones. The sub-strate scopes, proposed mechanisms, and product application of different types of reactions are discussed.