An update on the progress of cycloaddition reactions of 3-methyleneindolinones in the past decade: versatile approaches to spirooxindoles

Cycloaddition reactions are of great interest due to their potential and rapid construction of optically enriched spiro-cyclic products. 3-Methyleneindolinones have been proven to be a valuable precursor in cycloaddition reactions for the construction of diverse 3,3 '-spirocyclic oxindoles. Their versatile reactivity has provided a new forum for the development of a variety of building blocks and synthetic compounds, including bioactive molecules. Herein, significant accomplishments in the cycloaddition reactions of 3-methyleneindolinones for the synthesis of spirooxindoles have been summarised and elaborated. The review is outlined according to the type of cycloaddition such as [2 + 1], [2 + 2], [3 + 2], [4 + 2] and [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions.

Automated summary

3-Methyleneindolinones are a valuable precursor in cycloaddition reactions for the construction of diverse spirocyclic oxindoles, providing a new platform for the development of various building blocks and synthetic compounds. Significant achievements have been made in the synthesis of spirooxindoles through cycloaddition reactions of 3-methyleneindolinones, which are summarized according to different types of cycloaddition reactions such as [2 + 1], [2 + 2], [3 + 2], [4 + 2], and [5 + 2].