Synthesis of new N-aryl oxindoles as intermediates for pharmacologically active compounds

Various new N-aryl oxindoles were synthesized as intermediates for the preparation of pharmacologically active 2-(N-arylamino)-phenylacetic acids. Two novel approaches were explored for the construction of diarylamine and N-aryl oxindole core structures, in addition to Buchwald-arylamination and Smiles rearrangement. Condensation of anilines with 2-oxo-cyclohexylidene-acetic acid derivatives and subsequent dehydrogenation is a new and viable method for the preparation of N-aryl oxindoles.