Divergent synthesis of oxindole derivatives via controllable reactions of isatin-derived para-quinone methides with sulfur ylides.

A catalyst-free and controllable reaction of isatin-derived para-quinone methides with sulfur ylides was developed. This protocol enables the divergent synthesis of two different valuable oxindole derivatives with a broad substrate scope and high stereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr and only the (Z)-configuration).