Direct One-Pot Synthesis of Naphthoxindoles from 4-Bromooxindoles by Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling and Aldol Condensation Reactions

An efficient one-pot synthesis of naphthoxindoles by using 4-bromoindolin-2-ones and 2-formylphenylboronic acids has been developed. The coupling reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields under microwave irradiation through a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and an aldol condensation cascade reaction. In addition, this protocol permits the facile construction of naphthoxindoles through an expanded scope of substrates.