Visible-light-induced and iron-catalyzed methylation of N-arylacrylamides with dimethyl sulphoxide: a convenient access to 3-ethyl-3-methyl oxindoles

A visible-light-induced and iron-catalyzed methylation of arylacrylamides by dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is achieved, leading to 3-ethyl-3-methyl indolin-2-ones in high yields. This reaction tolerates a series of functional groups, such as methoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, acetyl and ethyloxy carbonyl groups. The visible-light promoted radical methylation and arylation of the alkenyl group are involved in this reaction.