We report a direct and effective metal-free α-acylation of 2-oxindoles using C-acyl imidazolium salts as an acylating agent via C(O)−C bond cleavage. The mild reaction conditions, affordable base, additive-free and simple substrates make this methodology very attractive for easy access to 3-alkylidene oxindoles – privilege biologically active oxindole derivatives. The wide substrate scope and gram-scale preparation are notable features of this methodology. © 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Thirumanavelan G

Department of Chemistry

School of Advanced Sciences

Vellore Campus

K. Muthuvel

S. Karthik

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private university located in&nbsp;Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1984, as Vellore Engineering College, the institution offers 20 undergraduate, 34 postgraduate, four integrated and four research programs. It has campuses in Vellore, Amravati, Bhopal and Chennai.

VIT is one of the top ranked private universities in India according to NIRF, THE and QS Rankings.&nbsp;Govt. of India has recognized&nbsp;VIT, Vellore as an&nbsp;Institution of Eminence. This has allowed VIT to take independent quality initiatives and move up in world ranking.

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