An effective synthesis of functionalized tetrahydro-4-oxoindeno[2,1-b]pyrroles

A one-pot synthesis of dialkyl 1,3a,4,8b-tetrahydro-3a,8b-dihydroxy-1-alkyl-4-oxoindeno[1,2-b]pyrrole-2,3- dicarboxylates via three-component reaction between indane-1,2,3-trione (ninhydrin), primary amines and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates is described.