A metal-free synthesis of oxindoles by a radical addition-cyclization onto N-arylacrylamides with xanthates

Abstract A convenient, high yielding synthesis of oxindoles by metal-free di-functionalization of alkenes with xanthates has been developed. This transformation involves a radical addition/cyclization process. Various arylalkylation products including alkyl ester-, benzyl-, cyano-, ketone-, amine-, and amide-substituted oxindoles were prepared in good to excellent yields.