Catalytic double stereoinduction in asymmetric allylic alkylation of oxindoles.

A highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective allylic alkylation reaction of 3-monosubstituted oxindoles catalyzed by molybdenum is described. The reaction is affected by the electronic and steric variations of the nucleophile. The use of appropriate N-protecting group is particularly important for achieving high regio- and diastereoselectivity. Products from this reaction, containing vicinal quaternary-tertiary stereogenic centers, are valuable synthetic intermediates and should find utility in alkaloid synthesis.