Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3'-spirooxindoles fused with cyclobutanes through organocatalytic formal [2 + 2] cycloadditions under H-bond-directing dienamine activation.

The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of a spirooxindole skeleton incorporated with a cyclobutane moiety has been successfully developed on the basis of H-bond-directing dienamine activation. Structurally complex spirocyclobutyl oxindoles, which possess four contiguous stereocenters, including one spiro quaternary center, were obtained in good yields (up to 83%) with excellent β,γ-regioselectivity (>19:1) and stereocontrol (up to >19:1 dr and 97% ee).