Spiro-oxindoles via bimetallic [Pd(0)/Ag(I)] catalytic intramolecular Heck-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition cascade reactions

The combination of an intramolecular Heck reaction with a subsequent Ag(I) catalysed imine→azomethine ylide→cycloaddition cascade is described for the formation of novel spiro-oxindoles. The reaction proceeds regiospecifically with good to excellent stereoselectivity and creates two new rings, three bonds and three stereocentres.