Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of aryl substituted 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles and 3,3-disubstituted-2-oxindoles

In Chapter One, a catalytic enantioselective method for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles is described. 3-Hydroxy-2-oxindoles were synthesized by a nucleophilic addition of electron-rich arenes and aromatic heterocycles to substituted indole-2,3-diones (isatins) catalyzed by scandium(III) and indium(III)-inda-pybox complexes. The use of a bulky chiral ligand hindered the formation of the achiral 3,3-diaryl-2-oxindole side product. Substituted 3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles were formed in high yield and high enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee).;In Chapter Two, a method for the synthesis of chiral 3,3-disubstituted-2-oxindoles from a nucleophilic substitution at the stereocenter of a substituted 3-hydroxy-2-oxindole is described. This SN1-like process is catalyzed by a Lewis or a Bronsted acid, which eliminates water to form an indolenium ion intermediate. Chiral BINOL-derived phosphoric acids and phosphoramides are promising catalysts for an asymmetric process, as the conjugate base can act as a counteranion that coordinates to the carbocation intermediate to direct an asymmetric nucleophilic addition. Catalyst and solvent effects have been investigated with yields ranging from 68-97%. Preliminary enantioselectivity has been observed and further optimization is underway.