Transition-Metal-Free Synthesis of Oxindoles by Potassium tert-Butoxide-Promoted Intramolecular α-Arylation

Potassium tert-butoxide-mediated intramolecular α-arylations of fluoro- and chloro-substituted anilides provide oxindoles in DMF at 80 °C. In this manner, diversely substituted products have been obtained in moderate to high yields.