Direct construction of novel exo′-selective spiropyrrolidine bisoxindoles via a three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction

An efficient synthesis of novel exo′-selective spiropyrrolidine bisoxindoles has been achieved via a three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. The azomethine ylides generated in situ from substituted isatin and primary α-amino acid methyl ester (or primary α-amino acids) reacted with the Knoevenagel adducts of substituted isatin to furnish novel spiropyrrolidine bisoxindoles in high yields (up to 99%). The structure and relative stereochemistry of cycloadducts were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The possible mechanism was proposed and the cycloaddition proceeded via exo′-transition state.