Synthesis of Spiro Pyrazolone-Oxindole and Bicyclic Pyrazolone Derivatives via Solvent-Dependent Regioselective Aza-1,4/1,6-Michael and Intramolecular Cycloaddition under Catalyst-Free Conditions

Abstract

A solvent-dependent, highly regioselective [3+2]-cyclo­addition reaction of isoxazole-styrenes and azomethine imines under catalyst-free conditions is reported, furnishing a library of pyrazolone–spirooxindole hybrids. Good regioselectivity for the isomeric structures was achieved by the reaction of isoxazole-styrene and azomethine imine in different solvents and temperatures. The developed method was extended for the synthesis of tri-substituted dinitrogen-fused pyrazolones by using a 1,6-Michael addition reaction. Furthermore, the isoxazole moiety was converted into a carboxylic acid as a model study via ring opening.

Keywords

• spirooxindole-pyrazolone hybrids
• bicyclic pyrazolones
• isoxazole-styrenes
• switchable 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
• solvent-­dependent reactivity
• catalyst-free conditions