Reaction of isatin with alkylating agents with acidic methylenes

The reaction of isatin (1) with different alkyl halides 2 and alkaline carbonates in aprotic polar solvents leads mainly to N-alkyl derivatives 3. The use of alkylating agents that have acidic methylenes leads to competitive formation of the corresponding epoxide 5. The formation of 5 is favored by low-polarity solvents at low temperatures and strong bases. Epoxides 5c, d obtained using NaEtOH/EtOH at 0–5 °C are transformed into the corresponding 4-quinolinones 6 at higher temperatures. The use of Ag2CO3 allows obtaining compounds 3 as major products, along with varying amounts of labile O-alkyl derivatives 4 and dimerization products.