Base-catalyzed reaction between isatins and N-Boc-3-pyrrolin-2-one

The base-catalyzed reaction between isatins and N-Boc-3-pyrrolin-2-one yields Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts instead of the expected aldol products in good to high yields (up to 97%). Various organic and inorganic bases are efficient catalysts for this reaction. Our study excluded the Morita–Baylis–Hillman mechanism for the formation of the MBH-type products. The MBH products are most likely formed as a result of the subsequent isomerization of the original aldol products between isatins and N-Boc-3-pyrrolin-2-one.