Supramolecular Synthesis of 3-Indolyl-3-hydroxy Oxindoles under Neutral Conditions in Water

Various 3-indolyl-3-hydroxy oxindoles were prepared for the first time by supramolecular catalysis involving the reaction of beta-CD:isatin complexes with indoles under neutral conditions in water. beta-Cyclodextrin can be recovered and reused a number of times without loss of activity.