Metal-free synthesis of isatin oximes via radical coupling reactions of oxindoles with t-BuONO in water.

A metal-free method for the synthesis of isatin oximes was developed through the radical coupling reactions of oxindoles with t-BuONO. This protocol provides a practical and environmentally benign method for the construction of C-N bonds in water at room temperature without using any other reagents. The advantages of this strategy are its mild reaction conditions and clean procedure.