Nickel chloride-catalyzed one-pot three-component synthesis of pyrazolophthalazinyl spirooxindoles

A direct and efficient approach for the preparation of pyrazolophthalazinyl spirooxindoles has been developed through one-pot three-component reaction of easily available isatin, malononitrile or cyanoacetic ester, and phthalhydrazide catalyzed by nickel chloride in polyethylene glycol 600. Desired products were obtained in high to excellent yields using a simple workup procedure.