Practical synthesis, anticonvulsant, and antimicrobial activity of N-allyl and N-propargyl di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones

An operation friendly protocol for the synthesis of novel di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones via Cu(OTf)₂ catalyzed bis-addition of N-allyl and N-propargyl indole with isatin was developed. This methodology allowed us to achieve the products in excellent yields without requiring purification technique like column chromatography. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anticonvulsant activity against maximal electroshock test. Six compounds showed maximum activity compared to the standard drug phenytoin. The scope of the new molecules as antimicrobial agents were tested against two bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans).