<i>β</i>-cyclodextrin mediated synthesis of indole derivatives: reactions of isatins with 2-amino(or 2-thiole)anilines by supramolecular catalysis in water

An elegant, mild, and straightforward strategy for the synthesis of indole derivatives have been accomplished by the biomimetic catalysis for the first time in water under neutral conditions. This supramolecular catalyst oriented methodology provides a sustainable and green protocol for the synthesis of 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines and 3H-spiro[benzo[d]thiazole-2,3’-indolin]-2’-one by the reaction of isatin derivatives with 1,2-difunctionalized benzene using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a recoverable and reusable supramolecular catalyst.