Synthesis and Reactivity of 3,3-Diazidooxindoles

The synthesis of previously unknown 3,3-diazidooxindoles as synthetically useful derivatives of isatins was accomplished through the direct oxidative diazidation of 2-oxindoles. The method yielded the diazido compounds from the starting oxindoles under mild and simple conditions with NaN3 and iodine, in good yields. The notable reactivity of this new class of compounds toward primary and secondary nucleophilic amines is also described, which gives access to either 4-imino-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2(1H)-one derivatives or cyanophenylureas.