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

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]