Enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydrofuran spirooxindoles via domino oxa-Michael/Michael addition reaction using a bifunctional squaramide catalyst

Metal-Free Regioselective Oxa-Michael Approach to Access Spirooxindole-Fused Tetrahydrofuran/Tetrahydropyran through [3 + 2]/ [4 + 2] Spirocyclization of Methyleneindolinones with Haloalcohols

An efficient one-pot metal-free, base-catalyzed method has been developed for the regioselective [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] annulation reactions of electrophilic methyleneindolinones with haloalcohols to furnish spirooxindole derivatives under mild reaction conditions. This reaction afforded the corresponding products with two contiguous stereocenters including a quaternary center in good to excellent yield (up to 95%) with moderate to good diastereoselectivities (up to 12.5:1 dr) with complete regioselectivity.

Oxocarbon Acids and their Derivatives in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

The biological and medicinal chemistry of the oxocarbon acids 2,3- dihydroxycycloprop-2-en-1-one (deltic acid), 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (squaric acid), 4,5-dihydroxy-4-cyclopentene-1,2,3-trione (croconic acid), 5,6-dihydroxycyclohex- 5-ene-1,2,3,4-tetrone (rhodizonic acid) and their derivatives is reviewed and their key chemical properties and reactions are discussed. Applications of these compounds as potential bioisosteres in biological and medicinal chemistry are examined. Reviewed areas include cell imaging, bioconjugation reactions, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, enzyme inhibition, and receptor pharmacology.