Stereoselective synthesis of 2-spirocyclopropyl-indolin-3-ones through cyclopropanation of aza-aurones with tosylhydrazones

Org Biomol Chem. 2021 May 5;19(17):3925-3931. doi: 10.1039/d1ob00076d.

Abstract

A simple and efficient approach for the synthesis of 2-spirocyclopropyl-indolin-3-ones is herein described. The method involves a diasteroselective cyclopropanation of aza-aurones with tosylhydrazones, selected as versatile carbene sources, and represents a remarkable synthetic alternative to get access to this class of C2-spiropseudoindoxyl scaffolds. The reactions proceed in the presence of a base and catalytic amounts of benzyl triethylammonium chloride and well-tolerate a broad range of substituents on both aza-aurones and tosylhydrazones to afford a series of C2-spirocyclopropanated derivatives in high yields. In addition, selected functional group transformations of the final products were explored demonstrating the synthetic potential of these indole-based derivatives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't