Copper-catalyzed alkylarylation of activated alkenes using isocyanides as the alkyl source: an efficient radical access to 3,3-dialkylated oxindoles

A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3,3-dialkylated oxindoles is described. The method involves a copper-catalyzed tandem radical addition/cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with the alkyl radicals generated from isocyanides. Two C-C bonds are formed in a single step.