Synthesis of Cyanoalkyl-Substituted 3-Trifluoromethyl-2-oxindoles via Silver-Catalyzed Radical Cascade Cyclization of α-Imino-Oxy Acids with α-Trifluoromethyl Acrylamides

Abstract We report a silver-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization of α-imino-oxy acids and α-trifluoromethyl acrylamides. Following a radical cascade process, this reaction delivers cyanoalkyl-substituted 3-trifluoromethyl-2-oxindoles with moderate to high yields. The transformation has mild reaction conditions, wide substrate applicability and good functional group compatibility. Mechanistic control experiments confirm the radical pathway. This synthetic strategy is applicable to the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules.