Ambient synthesis of spiro[4H-pyran-oxindole] derivatives under [BMIm]BF4 catalysis

A simple and efficient one-pot approach for assembling some fused spiro[4H-pyran-oxindole] heterocycles by means of three-component reactions between isatins, malononitrile or ethyl cyano-acetate, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is reported. The combinatorial syntheses were achieved for the first time without applying extra activation energy at ambient temperature while making use of [BMIm]BF4 as an ionic liquid catalyst. Good functional group tolerance and broad scope of usable substrates are other prominent features of the present methodology.