Molybdenum-Catalyzed Intramolecular Deoxygenative Annulation of 2-(Formamido)aryl Ketones to Access 3-Monosubstituted Oxindoles.

A molybdenum-catalyzed deoxygenative annulation of 2-(formamido)aryl ketones to access 3-monosubstituted oxindole compounds with broad functional group tolerance is described. The valuable product can be converted into various derivatives, and the catalytic conditions can be applied in drug modification and synthesis of the known bioactive compound. Mechanisms involving Mo-carbene insertion into the C(sp2)-H bond or 1,2-hydride shift are proposed.