gem-Bromonitrocyclobutane induced radical cyclization of acrylanilides to construct 2-oxindoles via photoredox catalysis

Abstract

A mild and efficient method involving tandem radical reactions of gem-bromonitroalkanes with various acrylanilides is reported. 2-Oxindoles with a 1-nitrocyclobutyl unit, otherwise hard to prepare, were easily obtained in good yields. The visible light induced generation of the α-nitroalkyl radical was a key step to initiate the reaction.