Ylide mediated carbonyl homologations for the preparation of isatin derivatives

An exceptionally mild method for the preparation of isatin derivatives has been developed using a sulfur ylide mediated carbonyl homologation sequence starting from anthranilic acid precursors. This method proceeds at ambient temperature via a sulfur ylide intermediate without the need for protection of the amine or chromatographic isolation of the intermediate ylide. Gentle oxidation of the sulfur ylides provides isatin derivatives with N-H, N-alkyl, N-aryl substitution, electron-rich and electron-poor aromatic rings, and heterocyclic aromatic systems. We anticipate that this method will greatly expand the accessibility of complex isatin derivatives.