Asymmetric synthesis of spiro[isoxazolin-3,3'-oxindoles] via the catalytic 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of nitrile oxides.

A highly enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides with 3-arylidene-oxindoles was realized by a chiral N,N'-dioxide-nickel(II) complex catalyst under mild reaction conditions. A series of spiro-isoxazoline-oxindole derivatives were obtained in moderate yields (up to 65%) with good regioselectivities (up to 99:1), excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee), and exclusive diastereoselectivity as well.