Microwave-Assisted Wolff-Kishner Reductions

Abstract

<p>The Wolff-Kishner reduction normally proceeds in a two step fashion involving initial hydrazone formation followed by a base catalyzed reductive elimination of nitrogen. We now report that the microwave assisted Wolff-Kishner reduction can be used for the preparation of multiple oxindole derivatives reduced from isatin with 80% wt. hydrazine hydrate at 120°C. The reduced products can then undergo aldolization at the 3-position with a variety or aromatic aldehydes to afford benzylidene oxindoles which have a variety of biological activities including protease inhibitors.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>