Synthesis of functionalized spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyridines] and spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyridinones] via one-pot four-component reactions.

In the presence of triethylamine as catalyst, the one-pot four-component reactions of arylamines, methyl propiolate, isatin and malononitrile afforded the functionalized spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyridine] derivatives in good yields. Similar reactions with ethyl cyanoacetate successfully afforded the functionalized spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyridines] and spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyridinones] as the main products according to the structures of the arylamines and other primary amines.