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.