Synthesis of Oxindoles by the Nafion-H Catalysed Decarboxylative Cyclization of a-Carbomethoxy-a-diazoacetanilides

Diazoanilides (1), possessing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups in the aromatic ring, undergo Nafion-H catalysed decarboxylative cyclization to directly give highly functionalized oxindoles in moderate yields (39-79%)