A novel formal (4 + 1) annulation between N-(o-chloromethyl)aryl amides and 3-chlorooxindoles through in situ generated aza-ortho-QMs with 3-chlorooxindoles is reported for the synthesis of a series of 2,3'-spirobi (indolin)-2'-ones in high yields. Under structured illumination microscopy, compound 3a is found to change the mitochondrial morphology and induce mitophagy pathway, which might then trigger mitophagy in cancer cells.
Keywords: annulation; aza-ortho-quinone methides; mitochondria; morphology; spirooxindole.
Copyright © 2022 Li, Yu, Sun, Liu, Wang, Shao, Wang, Xie, Yao, Yao and Zhi.