Cu-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with dipolarophiles: a faster access to spirooxindoles of potential pharmacological interest

CuI facilitated three-component reaction of isatin derivatives, l-proline and terminal alkynes containing an amide or ester functional group. The multi-component reaction (MCR) afforded a faster and practical synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives. A range of novel spirooxindoles were synthesized by using this straightforward and one-pot efficient methodology. A representative compound showed significant inhibition of PDE4B enzyme in vitro and good interactions with this protein in silico.