A facile method for the synthesis of oxindole based quaternary alpha-aminonitriles via the Strecker reaction

The direct alpha-cyanoamination of isatins using TMSCN has been developed, which is carried out in methanol without any catalyst. A new bifunctional cinchona alkaloid-based phosphinamide catalyst 7 could promote the Strecker reaction of isatins derived ketimine with TMSCN in up to 74% ee.