An efficient, one-pot synthesis of N-isatinylmethylthioacetic acid and its derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Abstract A convenient, one-pot synthesis of N -isatinylmethylthioacetic acid and several of its derivatives, as potential anticancer agents, by reactions of N -(hydroxymethyl)isatins with Bunte salts in TFA is described. The reactions involve attack of these salts on the S(II) atom by C-electrophilic species generated from hydroxy derivatives.