Visible light induced intermolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition reactions of 3-ylideneoxindoles through energy transfer pathway

A highly diastereoselective and regioselective [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction of 3-ylideneoxindoles has been accomplished using visible light photocatalysis. This visible light photocatalytic protocol allows an expedient access to diversely functionalized and structurally constrained oxindole derivatives containing two spirocycles and four stereogenic centers, including two all-carbon quaternary centers. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.