Synthesis of polysubstituted 5-hydroxyhydantoins via ring-opening of isatins

A simple and efficient tandem reaction approach was developed for the synthesis of 5-hydroxyhydantoins from one-pot reaction of isatins, phthalic anhydride or succinic anhydride, and 1,3-dimethylurea (1,3-diethylurea). The products were gained through the ring-opening of isatins process. The advantages of this report are simple operation, mild reaction conditions, good yields and easily available raw materials. It was very important for us to obtain the intermediate product and that provided a solid basis for the correct interpretation of the reaction mechanism.