A Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of electron-rich arenes with isatin-derived ketimines is disclosed, providing biologically interesting 3-amino-3-aryl-2-oxindoles in moderate to good yields with broad substrate scope. This reaction can be easily scaled up, and the Boc protecting group could be readily removed under mild reaction conditions to afford the free amine.
The first example of organocatalytic chemo-, regio- and enantioselective aza-Mannich reactions of triazoles and arylamines, respectively, with isatin-derived imines has been achieved.