An Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Oxoindole Derivatives by Organocatalytic Z|E-Selective Benzylic Functionalization of (o-Aminobenzyl)indoles with Isatins

An efficient method has been established for the synthesis of functionalized 2-oxoindole derivatives through chemospecific benzylic functionalization of (o-aminobenzyl)indoles with isatins. This protocol not only provides ready access to functionalized 2-oxoindole derivatives in high yields (<= 97%) and excellent Z vertical bar E-selectivities (Z vertical bar E > 95: 5), but also serves as a good example of catalytic benzylic functionalization of (o-aminobenzyl) indoles.