Synthesis of functionalized dispiro[indoline-3,1[Formula: see text]-cyclopentane-3[Formula: see text],3[Formula: see text]-indolines] via cyclodimerization of 3-phenacylideneoxindolines with benzoylhydrazides and arylhydrazines.

The triethylamine-promoted domino cyclodimerization reaction of 3-phenacylideneoxindolines with benzohydrazides in acetonitrile afforded densely substituted dispiro[indoline-3,1[Formula: see text]-cyclopentane-3[Formula: see text],3[Formula: see text]-indolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The similar domino reaction of 3-phenacylideneoxindoles with arylhydrazines also gave corresponding dispiro[indoline-3,1[Formula: see text]-cyclopentane-3[Formula: see text],3[Formula: see text]-indolines] with hydrazinyl or arylazo groups according to the structures of arylhydrazines.