Synthesis of 3,3'-spirocyclic oxindoles via phosphine catalyzed [4 + 2] cyclizations.

Triphenylphosphine promoted reactions between 3-arylideneoxindoles and δ-aryl-substituted penta-2,3-dienoates afford an unprecedented access to spirocyclic oxindoles with functionalized six-membered rings. In these new [4 + 2] cyclization processes, the allenoates operate as the four-carbon synthons, thanks to the involvement of the substituted δ-carbons. These reactions give excellent control of the relative stereochemistry of the three stereogenic centers. The stereochemistry of the final product has been ascertained by X-ray diffraction studies.