Abstract: | An efficient, clean, and environmentally benign synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives by one‐pot three‐component reaction of isatins, malononitrile, and carbonyl compound in the absence of catalysis in water was described. A variety of spirooxindole derivatives were obtained with excellent yields within short reaction time. This novel protocol has the advantages of convenient operation, low cost, and environmental benign. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:673–677, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/hc.20723 |