Molecular sieve mediated decarboxylative Mannich and aldol reactions of β-ketoacids

A molecular sieve mediated decarboxylative Mannich reaction of β-ketoacids with sulfonyl imines is reported; this protocol leads to an efficient preparation of synthetically useful β-amino ketones. An analogous molecular sieve promoted decarboxylative aldol reaction between β-ketoacids and isatins is also described, which affords bioactive 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-oxindoles in excellent yields.