Asymmetric direct α-alkylation of 2-oxindoles with Michler's hydrol catalyzed by bis-cinchona alkaloid-Brønsted acid via an SN1-type pathway.

An enantioselective direct α-alkylation of 2-oxindoles with Michler's hydrol via an S(N)1-type pathway in the non-covalent activation mode using the bis-cinchona alkaloid and Brønsted acid as a co-catalyst was developed and good to high yields and enantioselectivities were obtained.