Synthesis of benzosuberone-tethered spirooxindoles: 1-3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and arylidene benzosuberones.

Expedient synthesis of benzosuberone-tethered spirooxindoles was accomplished by a three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between azomethine ylide (generated in situ) and arylidene benzosuberone. This protocol offers good yield and wide functional group tolerance under mild reaction condition with high regio- and stereoselectivities.