Asymmetric Synthesis of Spiro[isoxazolin-3,3′-oxindoles] via the Catalytic 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction of Nitrile Oxides

A highly enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides with 3-arylidene-oxindoles was realized by a chiral N,N'-dioxide nickel(II) complex catalyst under mild reaction conditions. A series of spiro-isoxazoline-oxindole derivatives were obtained in moderate yields (up to 65%) with good regioselectivities (up to 99:1), excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee), and exclusive diastereoselectivity as well.