Design, synthesis and bioactivity of ethyl 2-((1-methyl-2, 3-dioxoindolin-5-yl) methoxy) acetate

Isatin and its derivatives are well known as the key intermediates for the synthesis of dyes, fuels and bioactive molecules. Recently, many research groups have being focused on the development of more efficient synthetic approach to prepare Isatin derivatives and the studies of their pharmacological properties. In this paper, we report the design and synthesis of a series of novel Isatin derivatives and their antimicrobial activities. Comparing to its mother molecule Isatin, ethyl 2-((1-methyl-2, 3-dioxoindolin-5-yl) methoxy) acetate showed the improved physical properties and significant change of the bioactivities. The target compound 6 and 7 were synthesized in six and seven steps through cyclization, aldolization, bromination and so on with the total yield of 58% and 51% respectively. The structures of the target compounds and their intermediates were characterized by 1H NMR. The result of the bioactivity evaluation indicated that ethyl 2-((1-methyl-2, 3-dioxoindolin-5-yl) methoxy) acetate (7) possessed good antimicrobial activity against staphylococcus aureus.