Asymmetric synthesis of spiro[4H-chromene-3,3'-oxindoles] via a squaramide-organocatalytic three-component cascade Knoevenagel/Michael/cyclization sequence.

Asymmetric synthesis of spiro[4H-chromene-3,3'-oxindole] derivatives was realized through an organocatalytic cascade Knoevenagel/Michael/cyclization reaction using a quinidine-derived squaramide. Under the optimized conditions, the reactions of isatins, malononitrile, and sesamol yield the desired spirooxindoles in good yields (75-87%) and moderate to high ee values (up to 90% ee).