A tandem Heck-carbocyclization/Suzuki-coupling approach to the stereoselective syntheses of asymmetric 3,3-(diarylmethylene)indolinones.

[reaction: see text] An efficient and versatile method for stereoselective synthesis of (E)-3,3-(diarylmethylene)indolinones by a palladium-catalyzed tandem Heck-carbocyclization/Suzuki-coupling sequence is presented. Factors influencing yield and selectivity, namely catalyst, coordinating ligand, and solvent, are detailed.