Ferric(III) chloride catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of N-alkyl-2-oxo-acetanilides: a facile access to isatins

A facile strategy for the synthesis of isatins in high yield from N-alkyl-2-oxo-acetanilides has been developed via Friedel-Crafts alkylation using FeCl3 as catalyst under air. This reaction proceeds through direct intramolecular addition and oxidation in one pot. Also this methodology is operationally simple, atom economic, and environment friendly.55