Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboronic acids to NH isatins

The transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric variant of the title reaction is normally limited to N-protected isatins. However, Rh(I)/chiral sulfoxide phosphine complexes were found to catalyze the enantioselective addition of arylboronic acids to NH isatins under mild conditions. A variety of chiral 3-aryl-3-hydroxyl-2-oxindoles were obtained with high yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities (85-92% ee). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.