A [3 + 2] cycloaddition/C-arylation of isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole with arynes.

A [3 + 2] annulation/C-arylation of isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole 1 with in situ generated arynes has been established for the synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted oxindole scaffolds. These highly functionalized scaffolds were assembled in moderate yields (up to 85% yield). The novel spirooxindole scaffolds displayed moderate antitumor activities, which represented promising lead compounds for antitumor drug discovery.