Base Catalyzed Abnormal [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition between Isatin N,N'-Cyclic Azomethine Imine 1,3-Dipole and 3-Methyleneoxindole for the One-Step Construction of Tetracyclic Bispirooxindoles.

An abnormal [3 + 2]-cycloaddition and highly effective and convenient one-step preparation of tetracyclic bispirooxindoles containing two all-carbon quaternary spirocenters from isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole and 3-methyleneoxindole in the presence of catalytic organic base has been disclosed. A variety of bispirooxindoles bearing a dinitrogen heterocycle with four adjacent cycles have been obtained in excellent yields (up to 95%) and diastereoselectivities (>99:1) under mild conditions.

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Michael Addition between 3-(3-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)Oxindole and ß-Nitrostyrene for the Preparation of Chiral Disubstituted Oxindoles.

A new enantioselective Michael addition between 3-(3-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)oxindole, a new synthon generated from isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole, and ß-nitrostyrene has been disclosed. A series of chiral 3-(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) disubstituted oxindoles were obtained in excellent results (up to 97% yield, up to 94% ee) with moderate to good diastereoselectivities (up to 4.3:1 dr).

A base-catalyzed domino reaction between isoindigos and α-alkylidene succinimides-convenient preparation of highly steric bispirooxindoles.

A new base promoted Michael-Michael domino cycloaddition between isoindigos and α-alkylidene succinimides has been developed for highly efficient and one-step convenient preparation of highly steric bispiroxindoles with two adjacent quaternary carbon centers and four consecutive cycles in excellent yields (up to 96%) and diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1) under mild conditions within a few minutes. A series of bisprooxindoles were obtained and the synthetic potential of the protocol was evaluated in a scale-up preparation.

Effective and diastereoselective preparation of dispiro[cyclopent-3'-ene]bisoxindoles via novel [3 + 2] annulation of isoindigos and MBH carbonates.

A novel and diastereoselective [3 + 2] annulation of isoindigos and Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates has been developed for the highly efficient and one-step preparation of highly steric dispiro[cyclopent-3'-ene]bisoxindoles with two all-carbon quaternary spirocenters and three adjacent cycles in excellent yields (up to >99%) and diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1) under mild conditions within a few minutes. A series of dispiro[cyclopent-3'-ene]bisoxindoles were obtained and scale-up experiment was conducted with excellent results demonstrating the potential applications of this protocol.

Organocatalytic and enantioselective [4+2] cyclization between hydroxymaleimides and ortho-hydroxyphenyl para-quinone methide-selective preparation of chiral hemiketals.

A cinchona alkaloid squaramide promoted enantioselective [4+2] cyclization between hydroxymaleimides and ortho-hydroxyphenyl p-QMs has been disclosed, and a wide range of chiral hemiketals containing chromane and succinimide frameworks with two adjacent quaternary stereogenic centers have been prepared for the first time with excellent results (up to 99% yield, up to 99 : 1 dr, up to >99% ee) under mild conditions.

Isatin N,N'-Cyclic Azomethine Imine 1,3-Dipole and Base Catalyzed Michael Addition with ß-Nitrostyrene via C3 Umpolung of Oxindole.

A new isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipole was devised, and an unusual Michael addition with ß-nitrostyrene catalyzed by tributylamine under mild conditions has been developed. The new reaction featured the C3 umpolung of oxindole and an unusual formation of double bond. Notably, this new synthon performed as a donor rather than an acceptor. This protocol provided a promising method for the preparation of various 3-aminooxindoles with good yields in moderate diastereoselectivities.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Annulation between Hydroxymaleimides and Nitrosoarenes: Stereoselective Preparation of Chiral Quaternary N-Hydroxyindolines.

An unusual and highly effective asymmetric annulation of nitrosoarenes with hydroxymaleimides catalyzed by a chiral bifunctional amine squaramide catalyst has been disclosed. A wide range of highly fused chiral N-hydroxyindolines with two consecutive quaternary stereocenters and multifunctional groups were directly and effectively prepared in excellent yields (up to >99%) with complete regioselective cyclization and excellent stereoselectivities (up to >99:1 dr and >99% ee). The efficiency and potentials of the new reaction and the target chiral entities were well demonstrated by delicate transformations into a series of new chiral indolines.