The indium-mediated allylation of novel 3-(2-Boc-hydrazono)indolin-2-one derivatives, followed by a palladium-catalysed carboamination reaction, is described to afford unprecedented spirocyclic oxindoles in good yields. The method provides an efficient access to both cis and trans diastereoisomers of highly functionalized compounds, bearing an N-Boc, 5-substituted pyrazolidine ring at the C3-oxindole spiro junction. The versatility of the method is fully demonstrated starting from a series of substituted isatins and employing a variety of aryl halides in the key cyclization step.
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