Ammonium acetate mediated simple, rapid, and one-pot multicomponent synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives

Abstract

Synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives was achieved by combining Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition between isatin, malononitrile, and dimedone or cyclohexan-1,3-dione in presence of ammonium acetate by simple stirring in ethanol at room temperature. Spirooxindole derivatives possess promising biological activities like antitumor, antifungal, antimalarial, and anti-HIV. The analytically pure spirooxindoles formed in a concise reaction time without recrystallization or column chromatography. This method is safe and avoids the use of toxic chemicals and excess consumption of energy.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Ammonium acetate
• isatin
• multicomponent reaction
• room temperature
• spirooxindoles
• stirring

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to SAIF, Punjab University, Chandigarh, for providing the spectral analysis.