Organocatalytic enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts alkylation of β-naphthols and isatin-derived ketimines via a Takemoto-type catalyst

Abstract

An organocatalytic enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of β-naphthols with isatins has been developed. The process is catalyzed by a simple thiourea derivative to give enantioenriched 3-(naphthalen-1-yl)-3-amino-2-oxindoles in excellent yields of 89–95% with high enantioselectivities (90–97% ee). The catalyst type and the substrate scope were broadened using this methodology.