Ru(III)-mediated intramolecular ortho-C(sp2)–H activation/oxidative acylation: one-pot synthesis of isatins from α-hydroxy amides

A novel and efficient synthesis of isatins from α-hydroxy amides via ruthenium-mediated aromatic C–H activation is described. The reactions proceeded smoothly under mild conditions and generated the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. This methodology has a broad substrate scope and opens up an interesting and attractive avenue for the application of intramolecular ortho-C–H activation.