Abstract: This study presents an innovative teaching approach that integrates cutting-edge research into the organic chemistry curriculum through a “task-driven” group-based inquiry model. The focus is on the environmentally friendly “on water” strategy, demonstrating a catalyst-free Mukaiyama-aldol reaction between 1-methylisatin and difluoroenoxysilane, utilizing water as the solvent. This approach efficiently constructs 3-difluoroalkyl-3-hydroxyoxindole, a high-value compound. Four comparative control experiments were conducted by student groups, using common organic solvents (dichloromethane, toluene, methanol) alongside water. The results helped students independently assess the advantages of water as a solvent in organic reactions, challenging the traditional reliance on organic solvents. This pedagogical method avoids passive, lecture-based teaching, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on experimentation to deepen students’ comprehension of green chemistry and frontier research in organic chemistry. The integration of foundational knowledge, scientific inquiry, and professional chemical skills represents a successful strategy for fostering high-quality talent in chemistry.

Key words: Task driven, Group cooperation, 3-Difluoroalkyl-3-hydroxyloxindole, “On water” reaction