A copper(I)-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of glycine Schiff bases with isatin-derived ketimines: enantioselective synthesis of 3-substituted 3-aminooxindoles

A Cu(I)/Ph-Phosferrox complex catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of glycine Schiff bases with isatin-derived ketimines has been described. This strategy can provide direct access to chiral 3-substituted 3-aminooxindoles bearing vicinal quaternary-tertiary carbon stereocenters in high yields (up to 99%), excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee) and moderate to high diastereoselectivities (up to 98 : 2 dr).