Iron-catalyzed carbonylation–arylation of N-arylacrylamides for synthesis of oxindole derivatives

An efficient method for oxindole synthesis is established by iron-catalyzed carbonylation–arylation of N-arylacrylamides with aldehydes. 3-Functionalized oxindoles are synthesized smoothly using FeCl3 as catalyst and TBHP as oxidant. The obtained oxindoles can be used for further transformations to give diverse indole alkaloid structure motifs.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide