I2/O2-promoted domino reactions of isatins or 3-hydroxyindolin-2-one derivatives with enaminones.

I2-promoted domino reactions of isatins or 3-hydroxyindolin-2-one derivatives with enaminones under O2 conditions have been established. The reactions of isatins with enaminones afforded functionalized tetracyclic pyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridine derivatives in moderate to good yields through domino cyclization and C-H oxidation. The reactions of 3-hydroxyindolin-2-one derivatives with enaminones proceeded well to give functionalized pyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridine derivatives via tandem ring-opening/recyclization/methyl migration sequences with two C-C bonds cleaved.