Abstract
A simple and efficient Michael addit ion of isatin to acrylate in the presence of KOH was described. Methyl β-(2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) propanoate was synthesized firstly by the addition of isatin to methyl acrylate in a feasible approach using 10% KOH as catalyst in DMF with the highest yield of 72.5% under the optimized conditions. A series of β-(2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) propanoate derivatives was synthesized according to this approach and gave moderate to relative high yields. The directive distinct color changes in this reaction were illuminated by the reaction mechanism analysis.
Keywords: Acrylate, β-(2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl) propanoate, isatin, Michael addition, cryptophycin, propanoate, emeriamine, vitamin B3, peptides