One-pot three-component synthesis of functionalized spirolactones by means of reaction between aromatic ketones, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and N-heterocycles

A simple and convenient one-pot multi-component reaction has been described for the synthesis of functionalized spirolactones. This strategy demonstrated three-component reaction between aromatic ketones (11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-one) and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) in the presence of N-heterocycles, such as pyridine, quinoline, and isoquinoline in CH2Cl2 at ambient temperature without use of any catalyst or activator.