The asymmetric synthesis of polycyclic 3-spirooxindole alkaloids via the cascade reaction of 2-isocyanoethylindoles

Chem Commun (Camb). 2015 Nov 18;51(89):16076-9. doi: 10.1039/c5cc06353a.

Abstract

A highly enantioselective dearomative cascade reaction between 2-isocyanoethylindoles and 3-alkenyl-oxindoles was realized using a chiral N,N'-dioxide-Mg(II) complex catalyst. This reaction provides a straightforward access to polycyclic 3-spirooxindoles bearing cyclopenta[b]indole units with four contiguous stereocenters in excellent yields and moderate to good stereoselectivities via a Michael/Friedel-Crafts/Mannich cascade.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxindoles
  • Polycyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Spiro Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Spiro Compounds / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Indoles
  • Ligands
  • Oxindoles
  • Polycyclic Compounds
  • Spiro Compounds
  • 2-oxindole