Enantioselective Morita−Baylis−Hillman Reaction of Isatins with Acrylates: Facile Creation of 3-Hydroxy-2-oxindoles

The first tertiary amine catalyzed enantioselective Morita−Baylis−Hillman (MBH) reaction of isatins with acrylates has been demonstrated, allowing asymmetric synthesis of biologically significant 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. The C6′−OH group of β-isocupreidine (β-ICD) is believed to facilitate the key proton transfer step in the MBH reaction, via an intramolecular proton relay process.