An efficient domino [Pd]-catalysis for the synthesis of isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones is presented. The strategy shows broad substrate scope and is amenable to o-bromobenzyl tertiary/secondary/primary alcohols. Significantly, the method was applied to the synthesis of antiplatelet drug n-butyl phthalide and cytotoxic agonist 3a-[4′-methoxylbenzyl]-5,7-dimethoxyphthalide. © 2016 American Chemical Society.