Two new isatin derivatives: 1-benzyl-4,5,6-trimethoxyindoline-2,3-dione and 1-benzyl-5-fluoroindoline-2,3-dione.

Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione) derivatives represent synthetically useful substrates which can be used to prepare a broad range of heterocyclic compounds. In the title compounds, C18H17NO5, (I), and C15H10FNO2, (II), the isatin ring systems are planar and form a dihedral angle of 73.04 (7)° in (I) and 76.82 (11)° in (II) with the benzyl groups. The bicyclic scaffolds in both compounds are almost superimposable, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.061 Å. The crystal structures of both derivatives are stabilized by C-H···O interactions. These contacts generate an R(1)2(7) ring motif in (I) and a C(7) chain motif in (II).