A Novel and Efficient Isocyanide-Catalyzed Addition Reaction of Enaminones to Isatin Derivatives for Oxindoles Synthesis

Abstract

A mild, efficient and novel pseudo three-component condensation reaction approach has been designed for straightforward synthesis of 3,3’-bis-substitued-2-oxindole derivatives. The products were prepared through one-pot and pseudo three-component condensation reactions of anilinolactones, isatin derivatives, and cyclohexyl isocyanide in acetonitrile solvent. The key features of this approach include using cyclohexyl isocyanide, which unpredictably has not participated in the condensation reaction and instead of that, plays a fascinating catalytic role. The 3,3’-bis-substitued-2-oxindoles have been afforded in excellent isolated yields, with high purity, straightforward work-up procedure and short reaction times.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Anilinolactone
• cyclohexyl isocyanide
• isatin
• oxindoles
• pseudo three-component reaction

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge the support from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST).