Chemoselective synthesis of 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one derivatives from 3-phenacylideneoxindoles and substituted tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC)

A simple and convenient synthetic approach to access of 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one derivatives by the reaction of (Z)-3-(2-oxo-2-ethylidene)indolin-2-one derivatives 1 with functionalized TosMICs under basic conditions has been reported. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields (82–94%). The easy accessibility of the starting materials, simple and mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, and good to excellent chemical yields make this methodology highly efficient.