Synthesis of spiro[indole-3,5′-isoxazoles] with anticancer activity via a formal [4 + 1]-spirocyclization of nitroalkenes to indoles

Abstract

An acid-assisted [4 + 1]-cycloaddition of indoles with nitrostyrenes affords 4′H-spiro[indole-3,5′-isoxazoles] in a diastereomerically pure form. Several of these spirocyclic molecules exhibit promising anticancer activity by reducing viability and inducing differentiation of neuroblastoma cells