Synthesis of fluorinated 2-oxindoles via intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling

An expedient synthesis of fluorinated 2-oxindoles bearing an all carbon quaternary center at the pseudobenzylic position is envisioned under "transition metal free" intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling (IDC) pathway. This method has been applied to a wide range of substrate affording fluorinated 2-oxindoles in moderate to good yields in a facile one-pot C-alkylation concomitant with oxidative coupling strategy. There are several advantages of our methodology, namely, (i) transition metal-free process and simple oxidants are used and (ii) wide substrate scope. The control experiment using radical scavenger suggesting that reaction goes via radical pathway. Further works on the biological potential of these fluorinated 2-oxin doles are currently under active investigation.