Synthesis of 3-fluoro-3-aryl oxindoles: Direct enantioselective α arylation of amides

Abstract

Modus operandi: Catalytic access to the title compounds through a new asymmetric α-arylation protocol is reported (see scheme). These products are formed in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities by using a new and easily synthesized chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand. Advanced DFT calculations reveal the properties of the NHC ligand and the mode of operation of the catalyst. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.