Synthesis of 1,3,1′,5′,6′,7′-hexahydro-3,3′-biindolyl-2,4′-dione derivatives by cyclization of 3-alkylideneoxindoles with enaminone

Abstract

The reaction between 3-alkylideneoxindoles 1 and 3-aminocyclohex-2-enone 2 was studied, and an efficient synthesis of 1,3,1′,5′,6′,7′-hexahydro-3,3′-biindolyl-2,4′-dione derivatives was developed by a sequential Michael addition followed by intramolecular condensation catalyzed by nickel dichloride hexahydrate. The reaction mechanism is discussed.