A simple and clean procedure for three-component synthesis of spirooxindoles in aqueous medium

A simple and efficient one-pot three-component synthesis of the biologically important spirooxindoles scaffold was carried out by the reaction of isatin, activated methylene reagent, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in aqueous medium. This method is of great value because of its environmentally benign character, high yield processing, and easy handling. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.