One-Pot Access to Functionalised Malamides via Organocatalytic Enantioselective Formation of Spirocyclic β-Lactone-Oxindoles and Double Ring-Opening

Malamides (diamide derivatives of malic acid) are prevalent in nature and of significant biological interest, yet only limited synthetic methods to access functionalised enantiopure derivatives have been established to date. Herein, an effective synthetic method to generate this molecular class is developed through in situ formation of spirocyclic β-lactone-oxindoles (employing a known enantioselective isothiourea-catalysed formal [2+2] cycloaddition of C(1)-ammonium enolates and isatin derivatives) followed by a subsequent dual ring-opening protocol (of the β-lactone and oxindole) with amine nucleophiles. The application of this protocol is demonstrated across twelve examples to give densely functionalised malamide derivatives with high enantio- and diastereo-selectivity (up to >95:5 dr and >99:1 er).

A Ru(iii) – catalyzed α-cross-coupling aldol type addition reaction of activated olefins with isatins

A α-cross-coupling aldol type addition reaction activated olefins with isatins has been described in the presence of ruthenium(iii) chloride and tributyltin hydride (TBTH) at room temperature.

Indium/Fe(iii) – mediated regioselective β-cross-coupling aldol type addition reaction of activated alkenes with isatins/isatinimines in aqueous media

A highly efficient and regioselective β-cross coupling aldol type addition reaction of activated alkenes with isatin/isatinimine derivatives in the presence of Indium/Fe(iii) in THF/H₂O at room temperature is described.