isatins with aromatics in triflic acid. The reaction shows a significant dependence on acid
strength which suggests the formation of diprotonated, superelectrophilic intermediates.
Reaction of isatin, benzene, and acid systems of varying strength (composed of CF3SO3H
and CF3CO2H) showed that the acid strength must be more acidic than H o=− 11.5 for
complete conversion to product. Reaction of isatins with mixtures of aromatics allows for the …