Synthesis of (E)-3-(isobenzofuran-3(1H)-ylidene)indolin-2-ones by the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular C-H functionalization process.

A novel and selective protocol has been developed for the synthesis of (E)-3-(isobenzofuran-3(1H)-ylidene)indolin-2-ones by Pd-catalyzed oxidative intramolecular C-H functionalization reactions of various 3-(2-(hydroxymethyl)aryl)-N-methyl-N-arylpropiolamides in moderate yields. Mechanisms involving a C-H activation process were proposed for this transformation on the basis of the observed values of kinetic isotope effects.