Reductive Cleavage of 4′<i>H</i>-Spiro[indole-3,5′-isoxazoles] En Route to 2-(1<i>H</i>-Indol-3-yl)acetamides with Anticancer Activities

Abstract

Unusual cascade transformation involving ring opening and 1,2-alkyl shift was observed upon the reduction of 4'<i>H</i>-spiro[indole-3,5'-isoxazoles] or 2-(3-oxoindolin-2-yl)acetonitriles with sodium borohydride. This reaction allowed for expeditious and highly efficient preparation of 2-(1<i>H</i>-Indol-3-yl)acetamides with antiproliferative properties.