Organocatalyzed arylalkylation of activated alkenes via decarboxylation of PhI(O2CR)2: efficient synthesis of oxindoles

A novel organocatalyzed arylalkylation of activated alkenes has been developed. This reaction was initiated from the decomposition of PhI(O2CR)2 to generate alkyl radical, followed by addition to alkenes. Then the formed radical was trapped by aromatic ring to generate the cyclized products. This method presents an efficient road to synthesis of a variety of oxindoles.