Oxindoles

Catalytic Photochemical Deracemization via Short-Lived Intermediates

Upon irradiation in the presence of a suitable chiral catalyst, racemic compound mixtures can be converted into enantiomerically pure compounds with the same constitution. The process is called photochemical deracemization and involves the formation of short-lived intermediates. By opening different reaction channels for the forward reaction to the intermediate and for the re-constitution of the chiral molecule, the entropically disfavored process becomes feasible. Since the discovery of the first photochemical deracemization in 2018, the field has been growing rapidly. This review comprehensively covers the research performed in the area and discusses current developments. It is subdivided according to the mode of action and the respective substrate classes. The focus of this review is on the scope of the individual reactions and on a discussion of the mechanistic details underlying the presented reaction.

Transition-metal-free oxindole synthesis: quinone-K2CO3 catalyzed intramolecular radical cyclization

A novel and highly efficient transition-metal-free approach for the conversion of α-bromoanilides to 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles is described. This transformation is promoted by catalytic amount of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) together with K2CO3,...

Multi-component synthesis of dihydro-1,3-azaborinine derived oxindole isosteres

We report on the synthesis of the first examples of 1,3-azaborinine derived oxindole systems, the BN-isosteres of the important compound class of the oxindoles. Hydroboration of terminal aryl acetylenes with FmesBH2, followed by treatment with 2 equiv. of a glycine ester derived isonitrile gave a small series of 1,3-azaborinine derived oxindoles. The new BN-oxindoles show interesting photophysical behavior.

Regioselective mono-aza-Michael additions of divinyl ketones with 3-(arylimino)indolin-2-ones: Synthesis of N-enone-functionalized 3-(arylimino)indolin-2-ones

Selective mono-aza-Michael additions of divinyl ketones with 3-(arylimino)indolin-2-ones in the presence of cesium carbonate are described. N-Enone-functionalized 3-(arylimino)indolin-2-ones were efficiently synthesized in satisfactory yield. The salient features of this protocol are high regioselectivity, high yield, and mild conditions.

A One-Pot Divergent Sequence to Pyrazole and Quinoline Derivatives

The hydroxy-pyrazole and 3-hydroxy-oxindole motifs have been utilised in several pharma and agrochemical leads but are distinctly underrepresented in the scientific literature due to the limited routes of preparation. We have developed a one-pot procedure for their synthesis starting from simple isatins. The method employs cheap and easy-to-handle building blocks and allows easy isolation.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Direct C3 Alkylation of Indoles and Oxindoles

The direct C3 alkylation of indoles and oxindoles is a challenging transformation, and only a few direct methods exist. Utilizing the underexplored ability of triaryl boranes to mediate the heterolytic cleavage of α-nitrogen C–H bonds in amines, we have developed a catalytic approach for the direct C3 alkylation of a wide range of indoles and oxindoles using amine-based alkylating agents. We also employed this borane-catalyzed strategy in an alkylation-ring opening cascade.

Catalyst-Free, Direct Electrochemical Tri- and Difluoroalkylation/Cyclization: Access to Functionalized Oxindoles and Quinolinones

The catalyst-free electrochemical di- and trifluoromethylation/cyclization of N-substituted acrylamides was realized under external oxidant-free conditions. The strategy provides expedient access to fluoroalkylated oxindoles and 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1 H)-ones with ample scope and broad functional group tolerance by mild, direct electrolysis of sodium sulfinates in an undivided cell. Detailed mechanistic studies provided strong support for a SET-based reaction manifold.