Microwave Promoted Tandem Reaction of Free Primary Arylamines with Diazo Compounds Under Metal-Free Condition in Water: Clean Synthesis of 2,2-Disubstituted 3-Oxindoles.

Herein, a microwave promoted tandem reaction of free primary arylamines with diazo compounds in water for clean synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted 3-oxindoles is present. Water plays important roles in the whole cascade process: O-H insertion to diazo, air oxidation, ortho C-H functionalization, cyclization and 1,2-ester migration. In particular, water plays a mediation role in the site selective ortho-C-H addition.