Diastereoselective construction of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-based bispirooxindoles through a three-component [3 + 2] cycloaddition.

An efficient three-component one-pot [3 + 2] cycloaddition of isatins, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and methyleneindolinones has been developed. This reaction proceeded in a highly diastereoselective manner to afford a wide range of pyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline-based bispirooxindoles in up to 91% yields. Additionally, a gram-scale experiment and some chemical transformations were conducted.