Efficient entry to diversely functionalized spirocyclic oxindoles from isatins through carbonyl-addition/cyclization reaction sequences.

A novel approach to diversely functionalized spirocyclic oxindoles has been developed by using different metal-mediated carbonyl-addition/cyclization reaction sequences. Spirocyclization precursors, 2-indolinone-tethered homoallylic alcohols, (buta-1,3-dien-2-yl)methanols, and alpha-allenols have been obtained by regioselective addition of stabilized organoindium reagents to isatins in aqueous environment. Ruthenium-, silver-, and palladium-catalyzed reactions of the above unsaturated alcohol derivatives provided oxaspiro oxindoles.