DMAP-catalyzed four-component one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized spirooxindole-1,4-dihydropyridines derivatives in aqueous ethanol

An efficient, clean, and environmental friendly 'one-pot' four-component reaction was developed for assembling a novel type of spirooxindole derivatives containing dihydropyridine and pyrrolidinone. The reaction could be easily performed in aqueous ethanol with 4-DMAP as catalyst in good yields. The high efficiency and the simple and mild condition of the reaction, in addition with its avoidance of time-consuming, costly syntheses, and tedious workup, endowed the reaction with application significance. A series of spirooxindole derivatives were therefore prepared in excellent yields by using this 'one-pot' four-component reaction method. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.