Electrosynthesis of N-Methylisatin.

Isatin in a solution of dry N,N-dimethylformamide/NaClO4 is electroreduced in the presence of CH3I. N-methylisatin (NMI) is obtained in quantitative molar yield and high current efficiency by controlled potential electrolysis (CPE). NMI and N-methylisatoic anhydride are the reaction products when CPE is performed in the absence of CH3I, but adding it once the CPE was completed. The water effect on the identity and yield of the reaction product(s) is investigated. Reaction pathways are proposed.