Beyond conventional routes, an unprecedented metal-free chemoselective synthesis of anthranilate esters via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy

A hitherto unreported route for the synthesis of anthranilate esters is demonstrated using 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, malonitrile and an alcohol or amine via a metal and oxidant free multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy. This process simultaneously installs an ester and urea or urethane functionality via CO and CN bond formations via concurrent oxidation of the aldehyde group and reduction of the nitro group involving an intramolecular redox process.