Abstract
New pyrrole derivatives (isoindoles) have been readily prepared by the reaction of an alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfone with ethyl isocyanoacetate in the presence of tert-BuOK in good yields. The isoindoles are converted into new porphyrins which undergo retro Diels-Alder reactions under microwave irradiation at 250 degrees C for 4 min to give novel annealed porphyrins in quantitative yields. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.