Synthesis of 3-(Diarylmethylene)oxindoles via a Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Reaction: Sonogashira-Heck-Suzuki-Miyaura Combined Reaction

A novel one-pot reaction for the synthesis of 3-(diarylmethylene)oxindoles is described. The reaction involves the successive combination of three palladium-catalyzed reactions (Sonogashira, Heck, and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions). This method enables the rapid synthesis of various 3-(diarylmethylene)oxindoles from simple propiolamides. The addition of silver salts dramatically enhanced the E/Z stereoselectivity of the reaction.