Synthesis and Dynamic NMR Study of Functionalized 1-(3-Furyl)-1H-indole-2,3-diones

Protonation of the highly reactive 1:1 intermediates produced in the reaction between alkyl(aryl) isocyanides and dibenzoylacetylene by isatin, leads to vinylnitrilium cations, which undergo carbon-centered Michael-type addition with the conjugate base of the NH-acid to produce highly functionalized 1-(3-furyl)-1H-indole-2,3-diones. A dynamic NMR effect is observed in the ¹H NMR spectra of these compounds as a result of restricted rotation around the single bond linking the indole moiety and the furan system. The free-energy of activation (ΔG ^#) for this process is 69–71 ± 2 kJ mol⁻¹.