Synthesis of 3-spiropyrrolidine-3-spirooxindoles from Baylis–Hillman adducts of chromone with azomethine ylides via [3+2] cycloaddition reaction

3-Spiropyrrolidine-oxindole unit is a privileged heterocyclic motif forming the core of a large family of alkaloid natural products with strong bioactivity profile and interesting structural properties. A novel regioselective synthesis of functionalized 3-spiropyrrolidine-3-spirooxindoles from 4-oxo-4H-chromone derivatives was accomplished by the [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethineylides with Baylis–Hillman adducts.