An organocatalytic asymmetric sequential allylic alkylation–cyclization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and 3-hydroxyoxindoles

The first organocatalytic asymmetric sequential allylic alkylation–cyclization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and 3-hydroxyoxindoles has been developed to afford spirooxindoles bearing α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone motifs in 25–85% yield, 60–94% ee and up to >20 : 1 diastereoselectivity.