The organocatalytic asymmetric Neber reaction for the enantioselective synthesis of spirooxindole 2H-azirines.

The asymmetric Neber reaction of 3-O-sulfonyl ketoxime, in situ generated from isatin ketoxime and sulfonyl chloride, for the synthesis of chiral spirocyclic oxindole compounds is reported. With the developed protocol, a range of chiral spirooxindole 2H-azirines could be obtained in good to excellent yields and up to a 92 : 8 enantiomeric ratio by using (DHQD)2PHAL as the catalyst. This methodology is the only example of the catalytic asymmetric construction of spirooxindole 2H-azirine compounds.