Enantioselective N-alkylation of isatins and synthesis of chiral N-alkylated indoles

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Oct 7;50(77):11354-7. doi: 10.1039/c4cc04586f.

Abstract

Asymmetric N-alkylations of isatins with enals were shown to be feasible via a prolinol-catalyzed iminium activation, and N-alkylated isatins were obtained in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivity. The biologically useful N-alkylated isatins also served as valuable synthetic precursors, and could be readily converted to chiral N-alkylated indole derivatives. The described method provides a novel entry to access optically enriched N-alkylated isatins and indole derivatives.

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Catalysis
  • Imines
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Isatin / chemistry*
  • Isatin / isolation & purification
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Imines
  • Indoles
  • Isatin