Copper Promoted Radical Addition/Cyclization of Azobisisobutyronitrile with Arylacrylamides: A Convenient Process to Synthesize 3-(2′-Cyano Alkyl) Oxindoles.

A CuI promoted radical addition/cyclization of azobisisobutyronitrile with alkenes was developed. The reaction provided a facile pathway for synthesis of 3-(2′-cyano alkyl) oxindoles. The cyano group is versatile for facile conversion into a diverse class of functionalities.