Activation of the NC–H bond of Baylis–Hillman adducts of N-methylisatin with CAN/ROH

A facile method for activation of the NC–H bond of N-methylisatin and Baylis–Hillman adducts of N-methylisatin with cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and saturated and unsaturated alcohols is reported. Adducts bearing an ester group at the activated alkene afford functionalized ethers, while those with a nitrile afforded ethers and nitrated aromatic products in good yield.