Efficient three-component reactions of α-thiocyanato ketones stereoselectively forming E-3-aroylidene-2-oxindole derivatives

A new three-component reaction of α-thiocyanato ketones under microwave irradiation for the stereoselective synthesis of 25 examples of E-3-aroylidene-2-oxindole derivatives has been described. The domino reaction simultaneously installs C–S and C–C bonds through continuous [3+2] cycloaddition/ring opening of in situ generated 1,3-oxathiolanes/SN2-type reaction sequence.