Mn(III)-based radical addition reactions of 2-nitroindole with activated CH compounds

2-Nitroindole undergoes addition reactions with the radicals generated from active CH compounds upon treatment with Mn(OAc)(3)center dot 2H(2)O to afford the corresponding 3-substituted-2-nitroindoles in 27-66% yields. Products of the methylene addition reactions undergo a subsequent in situ Nef reaction to afford 2-oxoindolin-3-ylidenes. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.