Synthesis of 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-indol-3′-yloxindoles via Rh(II)-catalyzed three-component reaction of 3-diazooxindoles, indoles and formalin.

An efficient rhodium(II)-catalyzed three-component reaction of 3-diazooxindoles, indoles and formalin was reported. With this transformation, a series of 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-indol-3′-yloxindoles were easily afforded in good to excellent yields. The resulted 3-(hydroxymethyl)-3-indol-3′-yloxindole could be easily converted to the key intermediate for the total synthesis of gliocladin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]