Michael Addition between Isatin and Acrylate Derivatives

A simple and efficient Michael addition of isatin to acrylate in the presence of KOH was described. Methyl beta-(2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) propanoate was synthesized firstly by the addition of isatin to methyl acrylate in a feasible approach using 10% KOH as catalyst in DMF with the highest yield of 72.5% under the optimized conditions. A series of beta-(2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) propanoate derivatives was synthesized according to this approach and gave moderate to relative high yields. The directive distinct color changes in this reaction were illuminated by the reaction mechanism analysis.