Metal-free visible-light-promoted intermolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition of 3-ylideneoxindoles

The Rose Bengal sensitized intermolecular [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of 3-ylideneoxindoles for the synthesis of spirocyclic oxindoles was developed successfully under visible light irradiation conditions. The cycloaddition products were obtained in good yields (up to 93%) with excellent diastereoselectivity and regioselectivity by using a low loading of Rose Bengal (0.125 mol%) as a triplet sensitizer. This work demonstrates the potential benefits of Rose Bengal in visible light catalysis.