Electrochemically induced aldol reaction of cyclic 1,3-diketones with isatins

The electrolysis of isatins and cyclic 1,3-diketones in alcohol in an undivided cell results in the formation of the previously unknown substituted 2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl)cyclohexane-1,3-diones in 70–85% substance yields and 700–850% current efficiency. Thus, the simple electrocatalytic system can produce, under mild conditions the new electrochemically induced aldol reaction of isatins and cyclic 1,3-diketones.