Mechanistic Insights On Iodine(Iii) Promoted Metal-Free Dual C-H Activation Involved In The Formation Of A Spirocyclic Bis-Oxindole

The mechanism of a metal-free, phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate) promoted, dual aryl C-H activation of an anilide to a spirocyclic bis-oxindole is examined using density functional theory (M06-2X). The most preferred pathway proceeds through the involvement of a novel iodonium ion intermediate and a pivotal trifluoroacetate counterion. The two sequential aryl C-H activations, assisted by trifluoroacetate as well as the superior leaving group ability of PhI, facilitate the formation of spirocyclic bis-oxindole.