Rhodium-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of Cyclic N-Acyl Ketimines with Activated Olefins: Anticancer Activity of Spiroisoindolinones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.6b02708

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral coupling reaction of N-acyl ketimines generated in situ from 3-hydroxyisoindolinones with various activated olefins is described. This approach leads to the synthesis of bioactive spiroisoindolinone derivatives in

Full text of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.6b02708

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Featured Article
Rhodium-Catalyzed [3+2] Annulation of Cyclic N-Acyl Ketimines
with Activated Olefins: Anticancer Activity of Spiroisoindolinones
Satyasheel Sharma, Yongguk Oh, Neeraj Kumar Mishra, Umasankar De,
Hyeim Jo, Richa Sachan, Hyung Sik Kim, Young Hoon Jung, and In Su Kim
J. Org. Chem., Just Accepted Manuscript • DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b02708 • Publication Date (Web): 01 Dec 2016
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The Journal of Organic Chemistry
Rhodium-Catalyzed [3+2] Annulation of Cyclic N-Acyl Ketimines with
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Activated Olefins: Anticancer Activity of Spiroisoindolinones
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Satyasheel Sharma, Yongguk Oh, Neeraj Kumar Mishra, Umasankar De, Hyeim Jo, Richa Sachan,
Hyung Sik Kim, Young Hoon Jung, and In Su Kim*
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School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +82-31-290-7788; fax: +82-31-292-8800; e-mail: insukim@skku.edu
Keywords: Annulation; C–H Functionalization; Ketimines; Rhodium; Spiroisoindolinones.
Abstract
The rhodium(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral coupling reaction of N-acyl ketimines generated in situ
from 3-hydroxyisoindolinones with various activated olefins is described. This approach leads to the
synthesis of bioactive spiroisoindolinone derivatives in moderate to high yields. In case of internal olefins
such as maleimides, maleates, fumarates and cinnamates, spiroindanes were obtained by the [3+2]
annulations reaction. In sharp contrast, acrylates and quinones displayed the β-H elimination followed by
Prins-type cyclization furnishing spiroindenes. The synthetic compounds were evaluated for in vitro
anticancer activity against androgen-sensitive human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP), human
prostate adenocarcinoma cells (DU145), human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa), human
breast cancer cell (MCF-7), and triple negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Notably,
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quinone-containing spiroindenes displayed potent anticancer activity about two to three folds stronger
than that of anticancer agent doxorubicin.
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Introduction
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Isoindolinones are among the most interesting class of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, as they are
found in various natural products and biologically active compounds.1 Among those, spiroisoindolinones
also have their own importance as they exhibit various properties such as aldose reductase inhibition or
can act as chemical sensors (Figure 1).2 However, limited methodologies for the construction of
spiroisoindolinones have been reported so far.3 Therefore, the synthesis of spiroisoindolinones has been
an attractive area for synthetic chemists.
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Figure 1. Typical examples of isoindolinone and spiroisoindolinone scaffolds.
The [3+2] annulation reactions have been a versatile strategy to synthesize various complex
molecules, especially for the construction of spirocompounds.4 With the rapid advancement in C−H
functionalization for the synthesis of various complex organic scaffolds,5 the [3+2] annulation reaction
based on the transition-metal-catalyzed C−H bond activation has been widely investigated in the past.6 To
this end, imines have been utilized for the [3+2] cyclization reaction to provide aminoindanes or
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aminoindenes under transition-metal catalysis.7 In 2005, Takai reported a pioneering work for the
annulation of aromatic imines with unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds to give indene and indane
derivatives under rhenium catalysis.7a Since then, various research groups showed that metal-alkenyl
intermediates generated from alkyne insertion underwent the Grignard-type [3+2] annulation to imine
functionality (Scheme 1).7b−g
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Scheme 1. Transition-Metal-Catalyzed [3+2] Annulations Reactions using Ketimines.
Previous work
1) annulation of aldimines or ketimines (refs. 7)
R
NHX
R1
NX
NHX
R1
R1
[M]
R
or
+
R2
H
R2
R2
2) annulation of cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines (refs. 8)
O
O
O
O
O
O
S
S
S
NH
NH
[M]
[M]
N
R1
R2
R1
R2
R1
H
R2
R1
R2
This work
(annulation of cyclic N-acyl ketimines)
O
O
O
NH
R1
R2
[Rh(III)]
in situ
NH
N
internal/terminal
activated olefins
H
H
HO
spiroindanes &
spiroindenes
In this context, cyclic imines are of prime importance as they could lead to the formation of
spirocompounds via [3+2] annulation reaction. Particularly, a number of reactions have been carried out
on cyclic N-sulfonylketimines under various transition-metal catalysts.8 For example, Nishimura reported
Ir-catalyzed annulations of N-sulfonyl ketimines with 1,3-dienes to give aminoindane derivatives.8a,b In
addition, alkynes were used as coupling partner for the Grignard-type annulations with N-sulfonyl
ketimines under Rh catalyst by Dong.8c,d Moreover, Co catalyst has also been used for the synthesis of
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spirosultams by Wang.8e In addition, Cramer’s group disclosed the asymmetric version by use of a chiral
rhodium catalyst.9 In general, N-sulfonyl imines are sufficiently stable to be isolated and they are often
used in the addition of organometallic reagents. However, N-acyl ketimines are less stable to be used
directly, thus their precursors are often used. The use of 3-aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones as stable
precursors for the generation of cyclic N-acyl ketimines has been reported earlier.10 To the best of our
knowledge, the [3+2] annulation reactions of cyclic N-acyl ketimines have been limited to only Ir
catalysis, which has been reported by Nishimura.11 Herein, we report the [3+2] annulation reaction
between cyclic N-acyl ketimines generated in situ by the dehydration of 3-aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-
ones and activated olefins, i.e. maleimides, acrylates, maleates, fumarates, cinnamates and quinones, for
the formation of various spiroisoindolinone frameworks. Furthermore, the synthesized
spiroisoindolinones have been evaluated for the cytotoxic effect against androgen-sensitive human
prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP), human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (DU145), human
endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa), human breast cancer cell (MCF-7), and triple negative
human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231).
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Results and Discussion
Our study was initiated by treatment of 3-hydroxy-3-phenylisoindolin-1-one (1a) having a
hemiaminal moiety with N-methylmaleimide (2a) as an activated internal olefin.12 The coupling of 1a
with 2a in the presence of 2.5 mol % of [RhCp*Cl2]2, 10 mol % of AgSbF6, 50 mol % of Cu(OAc)2 and 2
equiv. of AcOH in DCE at 120 °C for 20 h afforded the [3+2] annulation spiroisoindolinone 3a in 77%
yield (Table 1, entry 1). To our surprise, the formation of product is in sharp contrast with the Rh(III)-
catalyzed annulations reaction between N-sulfinyl ketoimines and maleimides to give tricyclic
pyrrolidone-fused isoquinolines as reported by Li.12e Moreover, the exclusion of Cu(OAc)2 increased the
catalytic reactivity to afford our desired product 3a in 93% yield (Table 1, entry 2). Control experiments
revealed that both cationic rhodium catalyst and acid additive are highly crucial for this annulation
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reaction (Table 1, entries 2−7). Other catalysts such as Co(III) and Ru(II) were found to be less effective
in this transformation (Table 1, entries 8 and 9). Further screening of solvents showed that DCE was
found to be an optimal solvent for the formation of 3a (Table 1, entries 10−12). Lowering the amount of
Rh(III) catalyst to 1 mol % or AcOH to 100 mol % provided a slightly decreased formation of
spiroisoindolinone 3a in 74% and 82% yields, respectively (Table 1, entries 13 and 14). Finally, this
process was compatible under argon atmosphere to furnish spiro adduct 3a in high yield, suggesting that
this transformation proceeds via a redox-neutral catalytic cycle (Table 1, entry 15).
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Table 1. Selected Optimization of Reaction Conditions.a
O
O
NH
O
HN
catalyst, additive
H
O
+
N Me
solvent, 120 oC, 20 h
HO
N
O
Me
O
1a
2a
3a
entry
catalyst (mol %)
additive (mol %)
solvent
yield (%)b
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2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200), Cu(OAc)2 (50)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), PivOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), NaOAc (200)
AgSbF6 (10)
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
DCE
THF
77
93
3
92
4
50
5
trace
N.R.
N.R.
25
6
AcOH (200)
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AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (4), AcOH (200)
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (100)
8c
9
[CoCp*(CO)I2]
[Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2
[RhCp*Cl2]2
45
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13d
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60
[RhCp*Cl2]2
MeCN
toluene
DCE
DCE
12
[RhCp*Cl2]2
10
[RhCp*Cl2]2
74
[RhCp*Cl2]2
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15e
[RhCp*Cl2]2
AgSbF6 (10), AcOH (200)
DCE
84
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a Reaction conditions: 1a (0.2 mmol), 2a (0.24 mmol), catalyst (2.5 mol %), additive (quantity noted), solvent
(1 mL) under air at 120 oC for 20 h in pressure tubes. b Yield by flash column chromatography. c 5 mol % of Co(III)
catalyst was used. d 1 mol % of Rh(III) catalyst was used. e The reaction was carried out under argon atmosphere.
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Scheme 2. Scope of 3-Aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones.
With the optimal reaction conditions in hand, we explored the scope and limitations of this [3+2]
annulation reaction. Various 3-aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones 1b–1j were examined with N-
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methylmaleimide (2a) (Scheme 2). The reactions of hemiaminals containing C3-para-substituted phenyl
rings of isoindolinones 1b–1e were found to smoothly undergo the annulations reaction. Both electron
donating and electron withdrawing groups on the C3-phenyl ring provided the corresponding compounds
3b–3e in good yields. The structures of products were supported by x-ray crystal analysis of compound 3c
(see the Supporting Information). The annulations of sterically congested ortho-substituted substrate 1f
also underwent the reaction to afford the desired spiro compound 3f in 72 % yield. In addition, meta-
substituted substrate 1g showed good regioselectivity at less sterically hindered C–H bond to furnish 3g
in 89% yield. Moreover, C5- and C6-substituted 3-aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones 1h–1j also displayed
good reactivity towards the [3+2] annulations providing the desired products 3h–3j in good to high yields.
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Scheme 3. Scope of Maleimides.
a Reaction conditions: AdCO2H (2 equiv) was used instead of AcOH under otherwise identical conditions.
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To further evaluate the scope of this process, the coupling of various maleimides 2b–2h with 3-
hydroxy-3-phenylisoindolin-1-one (1a) was carried out under the optimal reaction conditions (Scheme 3).
Gratifyingly, unprotected maleimide 2b was found to be coupled with 1a to afford 4b in 70% yield. Other
N-alkyl substituted maleimides 2c–2f, such as N-ethyl, N-benzyl, N-tert-butyl, and N-cyclohexyl, were
favoured in the coupling reaction to furnish the desired products 4c–4f in good yields. Notably, N-
phenylmaleimide 2g displayed very low reactivity under the standard reaction conditions. However, the
use of admantyl carboxylic acid (AdCO2H) instead of AcOH delivered the corresponding product 4g in
37% yield. In addition, this reaction showed good mono-selectivity for the coupling of 2h with 1a under
the optimized reaction conditions to afford 4h in 53% yield.
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Scheme 4. Scope of Activated Olefins.
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Next, we explored the scope of other activated terminal and internal olefins under the optimal
reaction conditions, as shown in Scheme 4. To our surprise, acrylates 5a–5c were found to undergo the
[3+2] annulation reaction to furnish spiroindenes 6a–6c instead of spiroindanes, suggesting that the
reaction might proceed via β-H elimination followed by subsequent cyclization.11b Interestingly, 1,4-
naphthoquinone (5d) showed the similar reactivity to give spiroindene 6d in 70% yield. In addition,
maleates 5e and 5f as internal cis-olefins displayed the [3+2] annulation reaction without β-H elimination
process to afford spiroindanes 6e and 6f in high yields, but a diastereomeric mixture was formed in these
cases. Notably, trans-olefins 5g–5j such as fumarates and cinnamates provided the corresponding
products 6g–6j as single diastereomers. These results might be explained by the steric repulsion between
C3-substituents and isoindolinone moiety. The structures of 6i and 6j were confirmed unambiguously
based on the x-ray crystal analysis (see the Supporting Information). However, non-activated alkenes
such as styrene and cyclohexene did not provide the desired spiro products under the standard reaction
conditions.
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A plausible mechanistic pathway is depicted in Scheme 5. Coordination of a cationic Rh(III) catalyst
with intermediate A and subsequent C–H activation delivers rhodacycle intermediate B, which on
coordination with 2a followed by migratory insertion affords rhodacycle species C. Nucleophilic addition
of C–Rh bond into ketimine provides intermediate D, which on protonation by AcOH releases
spiroindane 3a and an active Rh(III) catalyst can recycle in the catalytic pathway. In case of acrylates and
quinones, the alternative pathway through β-H elimination followed by Prins-type cyclization11b,13
affording the corresponding spiroindenes is suggested.
Scheme 5. Plausible Reaction Pathway.
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Table 2. Anticancer Activity of Synthetic Compounds.a
O
R1
R2
LNCap
DU145 Ishikawa MCF-7 MDA-MB-231
O
NH
6d
6k
6l
0.67
1.10
1.03
5.34
1.97
2.18
2.13
5.49
1.68
2.64
2.56
1.90
0.75
3.91
1.39
4.10
3.67
0.82
1.02
3.01
5.11
2.23
5.50
6.88
3.01
7.34
17.6
10.9
8.62
O
R3
6m
6n
1
2
3
6d
(R = R = R = H)
6k (R1 = R2 = Cl, R3 = H)
6l (R1 = R2 = H, R3 = OMe)
doxorubicin 3.02
1
2
3
6m
6n
(R = R = H, R = Cl)
1
2
3
a IC50 value: substance concentration for 50% inhibition of cell viability.
(R = R = H, R = F)
Meanwhile the synthesized spiroindanes (3a–3j, 4b–4h and 6e–6j) and spiroindenes (6a–6d) were first
screened for growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) by using the MTT (3-
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(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay14 (see Supporting Information for
cytotoxicity data of all synthetic compounds). To our delight, quinone-containing spiroindene 6d
displayed the most potent activity (IC50 = 0.82 µM against MCF-7 cells), After finding promising activity
of 6d in MCF-7 cell lines, we prepared other quinone-containing spiroindenes 6k–6n according to above
synthetic protocol. These compounds were evaluated against LNCaP, DU145, Ishikawa, MCF-7, and
MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In all cases, powerful anti-proliferative activities were observed. In particular,
compounds 6d (IC50 = 0.67 µM against LNCaP cells) and 6k (IC50 = 0.75 µM against Ishikawa cells)
showed most potent anticancer activity, which are stronger than that of well-known anticancer agent
doxorubicin as a positive control (Table 2).15 These results reveal that quinone-containing spiroindene
derivatives represent a new class of strong inhibitors against human prostate and endometrial cancer cells.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, we described the rhodium(III)-catalyzed [3+2] annulations reaction of a range of N-
acyl ketimines generated in situ from 3-hydroxyisoindolinones with various activated olefins to afford
biologically important spiroisoindolinone derivatives. These transformations have been applied to a wide
range of substrates, and typically proceed with excellent levels of chemoselectivity as well as with high
functional group tolerance. In addition, all synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro anticancer
activity against various human cancer cell lines. Compounds 6d and 6k were found to exhibit potent
cytotoxicity stronger than anticancer agent doxorubicin. Further studies to determine the biological action
of quinone-containing spiroindenes are underway.
Experimental Section
Typical procedure for the preparation of 3-hydroxy-3-phenylisoindolin-1-one (1a): To a solution
of phthalimide (1.47 g, 10.0 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (25 mL) in a round bottom flask was slowly added
PhMgBr (30 mL, 30 mmol, 1.0 M in THF) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature
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for 5 h. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturated NH4Cl solution (30 mL) and the mixture was
extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered,
and concentrated in vacuo. The solid residue was recrystallized from hot CH2Cl2 and hexane to give 1a
(2.0 g) in 89% yield.
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Typical procedure for the preparation of spiro compounds (3a–3j, 4b–4h and 6a–6n): To an
oven-dried sealed tube charged with 3-hydroxy-3-phenylisoindolin-1-one (1a) (45.0 mg, 0.2 mmol, 100
mol %), [RhCp*Cl2]2 (3.1 mg, 0.005 mmol, 2.5 mol %), AgSbF6 (6.8 mg, 0.02 mmol, 10 mol %) and
AcOH (24.0 mg, 0.4 mmol, 200 mol %) were added 1-methyl-(1H)-pyrrole-2,5-dione (2a) (26.6 mg, 0.24
mmol, 120 mol %) and DCE (1 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 20 h at 120 °C. The
reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (3 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by
flash column chromatography (n-hexanes/EtOAc = 3:1 to 1:2) to afford 3a (59.2 mg) in 93% yield.
2-Methyl-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H,3aH,8aH)-trione (3a): 59.2
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mg (93%); white solid; mp = 287.3–288.1 C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.87 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
7.72 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (br s, 1H), 7.50 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45–7.40 (m, 2H), 7.27 (t, J = 7.6 Hz,
1H), 6.77 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H),
2.93 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.7, 173.9, 169.8, 147.9, 142.2, 136.8, 132.3, 130.6,
130.3, 129.9, 129.2, 125.8, 124.5, 123.8, 122.7, 55.5, 50.4, 29.7, 25.0; IR (KBr) υ 3344, 2922, 1703, 1431,
1378, 1302, 1281, 1133, 1085, 1059, 968, 782, 774, 753 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for
C19H15N2O3 [M+H]+ 319.1083, found 319.1069.
2,5-Dimethyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione
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(3b): 49.8 mg (75%); white solid; mp = 253.7–254.2 oC; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.85 (d, J = 7.2
Hz, 1H), 7.55 (br s, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.49 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.0
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Hz, 1H), 6.65 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,
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1H), 2.92 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.8, 174.0, 169.8, 148.0, 140.7,
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139.3, 137.0, 132.2, 130.9, 130.7, 129.1, 126.1, 124.1, 123.8, 122.8, 72.5, 55.8, 50.3, 25.0, 21.3; IR (KBr)
υ 3168, 3073, 1697, 1429, 1379, 1343, 1279, 1128, 1062, 964, 816, 765, 756 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI)
calcd for C20H17N2O3 [M+H]+ 333.1239, found 333.1225.
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5-Methoxy-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-
trione (3c): 51.5 mg (74%); white solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.25 (br s, 1H),
7.70 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.49–7.41 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.60
(d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 6.56 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s,
3H), 2.76 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 175.9, 174.5, 168.2, 160.4, 148.6, 138.8, 135.1,
132.0, 131.0, 128.6, 124.9, 122.8, 122.6, 116.2, 109.5, 71.5, 55.7, 55.4, 50.3, 24.5; IR (KBr) υ 3254, 2920,
2852, 1691, 1603, 1462, 1431, 1312, 1274, 1128, 1081, 1024, 965, 831, 754 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI)
calcd for C20H17N2O4 [M+H]+ 349.1188, found 349.1174.
5-Chloro-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-
o
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trione (3d): 60.6 mg (86%); white solid; mp = 252.8–253.3 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.32
(br s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.51–7.44 (m, 2H), 7.32 (dd, J = 8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.69
(d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.61 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.71 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.72 (s,
3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 175.5, 174.2, 168.2, 147.9, 142.6, 139.3, 133.9, 132.2, 131.0,
129.5, 128.9, 125.8, 125.3, 122.9, 122.8, 71.3, 55.3, 50.2, 24.6; IR (KBr) υ 3252, 2946, 1701, 1430, 1365,
1272, 1294, 1134, 1076, 966, 830, 755 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C19H14ClN2O3 [M+H]+
353.0693, found 353.0680.
5-Fluoro-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-
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trione (3e): 57.1 mg (85%); white solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.31 (br s, 1H),
7.71 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.51–7.38 (m, 3H), 7.11 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.72–6.69 (m, 1H), 6.62 (d, J = 7.2
Hz, 1H), 4.70 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.77 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz,
DMSO-d6) δ 175.5, 174.3, 168.2, 162.8 (d, JC-F = 244.1 Hz), 148.2, 139.6 (d, JC-F = 2.2 Hz), 139.5 (d, JC-F
= 9.4 Hz), 132.1, 131.0, 128.8, 126.0 (d, JC-F = 9.4 Hz), 122.8, 122.7, 116.8 (d, JC-F = 23.1 Hz), 112.1 (d,
JC-F = 22.9 Hz), 71.2, 55.6, 50.2 (d, JC-F = 1.3 Hz), 24.6; IR (KBr) υ 3320, 2872, 1698, 1464, 1432, 1381,
1276, 1228, 1124, 1084, 1044, 966, 884, 750 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C19H14FN2O3 [M+H]+
337.0988, found 337.0974.
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2,7-Dimethyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione
(3f): 47.8 mg (72%); white solid; mp = 255.7–256.3 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.26 (br s, 1H),
7.72 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.49–7.44 (m, 3H), 7.33 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.56 (d, J =
7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.72 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR
(100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 176.2, 174.5, 168.4, 147.1, 139.8, 137.8, 135.1, 132.1, 132.0, 131.3, 129.7, 128.8,
123.4, 122.6, 122.4, 72.6, 55.7, 50.0, 24.4, 15.9; IR (KBr) υ 3381, 2866, 1690, 1588, 1431, 1379, 1273,
1131, 1110, 1046, 963, 954, 772, 754, 710 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C20H17N2O3 [M+H]+
333.1239, found 333.1226.
2,6-Dimethyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione
o
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(3g): 59.1 mg (89%); white solid; mp = 268.5–269.5 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.29 (br s,
1H), 7.71 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50–7.42 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.58 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.46
(s, 1H), 4.62 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100
MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 176.2, 174.5, 168.2, 148.4, 143.6, 138.9, 134.4, 132.0, 131.0, 130.4, 128.7, 125.2,
123.9, 122.8, 122.7, 71.8, 55.4, 50.1, 24.5, 20.6; IR (KBr) υ 3284, 2918, 1687, 1562, 1429, 1375, 1284,
1128, 1114, 1032, 986, 833, 758, 701 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C20H17N2O3 [M+H]+
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333.1239, found 333.1226.
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5’,6’-Dichloro-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-
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1,3,3’(2H)-trione (3h): 57.3 mg (74%); white solid; mp = >300 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ
9.57 (br s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
7.11 (s, 1H), 6.77 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.00 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.79 (s, 3H);
13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 175.7, 174.4, 165.6, 147.8, 142.3, 137.8, 134.7, 132.2, 132.0,
129.9, 129.4, 126.0, 125.4, 124.5, 124.2, 71.3, 55.3, 50.4, 24.8; IR (KBr) υ 3344, 2874, 1698, 1428, 1401,
1310, 1279, 1057, 984, 913, 782, 767 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C19H13Cl2N2O3 [M+H]+
387.0303, found 387.0292.
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5’-Bromo-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-
trione (3i): 71.4 mg (90%); white solid; mp = 264.5–265.1 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.49 (br
s, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.63–7.60 (m, 2H), 7.43 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (d, J = 7.6
Hz, 1H), 6.62 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.78 (s, 3H);
13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 176.0, 174.5, 166.7, 147.4, 142.8, 137.4, 134.9, 133.5, 129.8,
129.4, 125.6, 125.5, 125.4, 124.1, 122.1, 71.8, 55.1, 50.5, 24.7; IR (KBr) υ 3341, 2915, 1694, 1460, 1421,
1375, 1298, 1279, 1132, 1058, 1030, 1058, 964, 808, 783, 769 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for
C19H14BrN2O3 [M+H]+ 397.0188, found 397.0177.
6’-Bromo-2-methyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-
trione (3j): 65.1 mg (82%); white solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.44 (br s, 1H),
7.72–7.66 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (s, 1H),
6.73 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.78 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR
(100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 175.9, 174.5, 167.2, 150.2, 142.7, 137.5, 132.1, 130.5, 129.8, 129.5, 126.1, 125.6,
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125.5, 124.8, 124.1, 71.6, 55.3, 50.4, 24.6; IR (KBr) υ 3359, 2923, 1698, 1604, 1587, 1428, 1452, 1267,
1110, 1132, 1057, 964, 837, 794, 780, 767 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C19H14BrN2O3 [M+H]+
397.0188, found 397.0177.
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3a,8a-Dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione (4b): 42.6 mg
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(70%); white solid; mp = >300 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.34 (br s, 1H), 9.29 (br s, 1H),
7.72–7.70 (m, 1H), 7.57 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.49–7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.70–6.68 (m,
1H), 6.65 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H); C{1H} NMR (100
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MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 177.5, 175.8, 168.2, 148.4, 143.7, 137.4, 131.9, 131.1, 129.4, 129.1, 128.6, 125.4,
123.9, 122.9, 122.7, 71.8, 56.3, 51.7; IR (KBr) υ 3285, 2922, 2854, 1694, 1427, 1366, 1267, 1217, 740
cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C18H13N2O3 [M+H]+ 305.0926, found 305.0915.
2-Ethyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione (4c):
47.8 mg (72%); white solid; mp = 263.8–265.0 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.32 (br s, 1H), 7.71 (d,
J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50–7.40 (m, 3H), 7.27 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d, J = 8.4 Hz,
1H), 6.55 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.83–3.26 (m, 2H), 1.00
(t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.9, 174.2, 168.3, 148.4, 143.6, 137.1, 131.9,
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131.0, 129.5, 129.3, 128.8, 125.5, 123.9, 123.0, 122.7, 71.9, 54.9, 50.4, 12.5; IR (KBr) υ 3372, 2932,
1686, 1397, 1341, 1315, 1246, 1221, 1126, 1077, 776, 752 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for
C20H17N2O3 [M+H]+ 333.1239, found 333.1226.
2-Benzyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione (4d):
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56.0 mg (71%); white solid; mp = 208.7–209.5 C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.79 (d, J = 7.6 Hz,
1H), 7.72 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (br s, 1H), 7.43–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.33–7.22 (m, 6H), 6.99 (t, J = 7.6 Hz,
1H), 6.70 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.08 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.64–4.61 (m, 2H), 4.52 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 1H), 4.01
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(d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.4, 173.5, 169.8, 147.8, 142.4, 136.6, 135.2,
132.3, 130.3 (one carbon overlap), 129.8, 129.6, 128.9, 128.7, 128.2, 125.8, 124.5, 123.6, 123.0, 72.7,
55.1, 50.5, 42.9; IR (KBr) υ 3395, 2928, 1702, 1391, 1365, 1313, 1167, 1084, 783, 751, 702 cm-1; HRMS
(orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C25H19N2O3 [M+H]+ 395.1396, found 395.1377.
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2-(tert-Butyl)-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione
(4e): 42.5 mg (59%); light yellow solid; mp = 282.9–283.7 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.29 (br
s, 1H), 7.72–7.70 (m, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.49–7.46 (m, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J
= 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.69 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.63–6.61 (m, 1H), 4.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (d, J = 8.8 Hz,
1H), 1.40 (s, 9H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 177.1, 175.3, 168.3, 148.5, 143.6, 137.6, 131.8,
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130.9, 129.4, 129.2, 128.7, 125.7, 123.8, 123.1, 122.7, 77.3, 57.8, 54.6, 50.08, 27.8; IR (KBr) υ 3284,
2970, 1693, 1359, 1335, 1220, 1170, 1071, 776, 754 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C22H21N2O3
[M+H]+ 361.1552, found 361.1537.
2-Cyclohexyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione
(4f): 50.9 mg (66%); light orange solid; mp = 265.6–266.9 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.31 (br
s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50–7.39 (m, 3H), 7.26 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
6.67 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.99 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.76–
3.70 (m, 1H), 1.97–1.82 (m, 2H), 1.78–1.69 (m, 2H), 1.57–1.50 (m, 3H), 1.24–1.14 (m, 2H), 1.08–1.01
(m, 1H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 176.0, 174.3, 168.3, 148.4, 143.6, 137.2, 131.9, 130.9,
129.5, 129.2, 128.8, 125.5, 123.9, 123.0, 122.7, 71.9, 51.0, 50.0, 28.4, 27.9, 25.3, 25.2, 24.7; IR (KBr) υ
3354, 2911, 1693, 1417, 1368, 1227, 748 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C24H23N2O3 [M+H]+
387.1709, found 387.1688.
2-Phenyl-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione (4g):
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28.1 mg (37%); white solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.37 (br s, 1H), 7.74–7.72
(m, 1H), 7.67 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.50–7.44 (m, 5H), 7.39 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
7.19 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.81–6.79 (m, 1H), 6.76 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.90 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.21 (d, J
= 8.8 Hz, 1H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.2, 173.5, 168.4, 148.4, 143.7, 136.9, 132.2, 132.0,
129.6, 129.4, 129.0, 128.9, 128.4, 126.8, 125.8, 123.9, 123.0, 122.9, 72.2, 55.1, 50.6; IR (KBr) υ 3160,
2920, 2852, 1693, 1608, 1499, 1456, 1375, 1345, 1314, 1238, 1174, 1151, 1084, 1029, 794, 782, 762, 750
cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C24H16N2O3 [M]+ 380.1161, found 380.1158.
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2-(2-(2,5-Dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)ethyl)-3a,8a-dihydro-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-
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c]pyrrole-8,1’-isoindoline]-1,3,3’(2H)-trione (4h): 43.5 mg (51%); white solid; mp = 150.7–152.0 C;
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.86 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (br s, 1H), 7.52–
7.43 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.74 (d, J = 7.6
Hz, 1H), 6.60 (s, 2H), 4.62 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.79–3.69 (m, 2H), 3.67–3.62 (m,
2H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 175.7, 173.8, 170.5, 169.7, 147.4, 142.3, 136.9, 134.1, 132.3,
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131.0, 130.9, 130.2, 129.9, 129.2, 125.5, 124.6, 123.7, 123.6, 72.5, 55.4, 50.2, 38.0, 35.7; IR (KBr) υ
3177, 2937, 1699, 1433, 1412, 1332, 1264, 1151, 1106, 1075, 916, 832, 782, 752, 727 cm-1; HRMS
(orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C24H18N3O5 [M+H]+ 428.1246, found 428.1230.
Methyl 3’'-oxospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2-carboxylate (6a): 34.9 mg (60%); light yellow
solid; mp = 172.5–173.3 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.91 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d,
J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41–7.35 (m, 2H), 7.27 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J = 7.2 Hz,
1H), 6.81 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.36 (br s, 1H), 3.56 (s, 3H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.5,
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162.6, 146.8, 145.2, 144.0, 139.4, 138.1, 132.3, 132.0, 129.7, 129.4, 128.6, 124.3, 124.1, 123.1, 120.8,
72.1, 51.6; IR (KBr) υ 3367, 2933, 1692, 1570, 1460, 1432, 1321, 1243, 1187, 1154, 1188, 1016, 991,
755, 739 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C18H13NO3 [M]+ 291.0895, found 291.0894.
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Ethyl 3’-oxospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2-carboxylate (6b): 46.3 mg (76%); white sticky solid;
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.90 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 7.51–7.43 (m, 2H), 7.41–7.35 (m,
2H), 7.28 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (br s, 1H), 3.39–3.95
(m, 2H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.5, 162.3, 146.7, 145.4, 143.9,
139.5, 138.8, 132.3, 132.2, 129.7, 129.4, 128.5, 124.1, 124.0, 123.2, 120.8, 72.1, 60.4, 13.7; IR (KBr) υ
3365, 2935, 1697, 1570, 1461, 1432, 1323, 1243, 1180, 1153, 1180, 1018, 990, 755 cm-1; HRMS
(orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C19H16NO3 [M+H]+ 306.1130, found 306.1120.
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Butyl 3’-oxospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2-carboxylate (6c): 49.3 mg (74%); light yellow sticky
solid; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.91 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.51–7.44 (m, 2H), 7.41–7.34
(m, 2H), 7.27 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.08 (br s, 1H), 4.02–
3.87 (m, 2H), 1.33–1.28 (m, 2H), 1.07–0.96 (m, 2H), 0.77 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 171.4, 162.5, 146.8, 145.4, 144.2, 139.4, 138.8, 132.3, 132.2, 129.7, 129.4, 128.5, 124.2, 124.0,
123.1, 120.9; IR (KBr) υ 3364, 2929, 1696, 1571, 1461, 1434, 1321, 1243, 1188, 1145, 1189, 1010, 992,
755 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C21H20NO3 [M+H]+ 334.1443, found 334.1434.
Spiro[benzo[b]fluorene-11,1’-isoindoline]-3’,5,10-trione (6d): 50.8 mg (70%); yellow solid; mp =
>300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.41 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (dd, J = 7.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J
= 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (dd, J = 7.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.76–7.68 (m, 2H), 7.52–7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41–7.36 (m, 2H),
7.16 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (br s, 1H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ
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183.4, 180.3, 171.2, 146.9, 146.4, 145.7, 144.6, 136.2, 134.2, 133.7, 133.1, 132.8, 132.6, 131.1, 130.1,
129.2, 126.6, 126.5, 126.4, 124.7, 123.5, 121.0, 71.4; IR (KBr) υ 3391, 2963, 1702, 1656, 1570, 1460,
1297, 1270, 1284, 1124, 996, 1017, 759, 746, 710 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C24H14NO3
[M+H]+ 364.0974, found 364.0960.
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Dimethyl 3’-oxo-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2,3-dicarboxylate (6e): 61.8 mg
(88%); white solid; mp = 183.5–184.1 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.85 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d,
J = 6.4 Hz, 1H, diasteromeric), 7.59 (td, J = 7.6, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.58–7.50 (m, 2H), 7.58–7.50 (m, 2H,
diasteromeric), 7.42–7.30 (m, 2H), 7.42–7.30 (m, 3H, diasteromeric), 7.22–7.17 (m, 1H), 7.22–7.17 (m,
1H, diasteromeric), 7.12 (br s, 1H), 6.94 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, diasteromeric), 6.86 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H,
diasteromeric), 6.67 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.87 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, diasteromeric),
4.32 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H, diasteromeric), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H, diastereomeric),
3.49 (s, 3H), 3.17 (s, 3H, diastereomeric); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.8, 171.6, 170.4, 170.0,
169.9, 169.5, 149.6, 147.5, 141.4, 141.2, 139.0, 137.1, 132.8, 132.1, 131.4, 130.4, 129.8, 129.5, 129.1,
129.0, 128.9, 128.8, 124.9, 124.6, 124.2, 123.6, 123.5, 123.4, 122.4, 122.3, 72.0, 71.4, 56.5, 56.4, 52.7,
52.6, 52.2, 51.8, 50.0, 49.1; IR (KBr) υ 3340, 2920, 1696, 1470, 1430, 1322, 1225, 1170, 1013, 955, 757,
729 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C20H18NO5 [M+H]+ 352.1185, found 352.1174.
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Dibutyl 3’-oxo-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2,3-dicarboxylate (6f): 74.9 mg (86%);
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white sticky solid; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.86 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H,
diasteromeric), 7.62 (td, J = 7.6, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.57–7.51 (m, 1H), 7.57–7.51 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 7.44–
7.32 (m, 2H), 7.42–7.32 (m, 3H, diasteromeric), 7.24–7.19 (m, 1H), 7.24–7.19 (m, 1H, diasteromeric),
6.95 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.92–6.89 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 6.69 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.53 (br s, 1H), 6.87
(d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 4.83 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H, diasteromeric), 4.32 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.29–4.23 (m, 2H),
4.29–4.23 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 4.21 (d, J = 9.2Hz, 1H, diasteromeric), 4.04–3.98 (m, 1H), 3.88–3.82
(m, 1H, diasteromeric), 3.70–3.66 (m, 1H), 3.58–3.55 (m, 1H, diasteromeric), 1.76–1.69 (m, 2H), 1.76–
1.69 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 1.48–1.41 (m, 2H), 1.48–1.41 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 1.31–1.22 (m, 2H),
1.31–1.22 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 1.11–1.04 (m, 2H), 1.11–1.04 (m, 2H, diasteromeric), 0.97 (t, J = 7.6
Hz, 3H), 0.97 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 3H, diasteromeric), 0.76–0.71 (m, 3H), 0.76–0.71 (m, 2H, diasteromeric);
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13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.4, 171.3, 170.1, 169.6, 169.5, 169.3, 149.6, 147.6, 141.6, 141.3,
139.1, 137.4, 132.9, 132.2, 131.6, 130.6, 129.9, 129.5, 129.1, 129.0, 128.8, 124.8, 124.6, 124.2, 123.6,
123.5, 123.4, 122.6, 122.5, 71.8, 71.3, 65.7, 65.6, 65.1, 64.9, 56.6, 56.5, 50.0, 49.4, 30.6, 30.2, 20.0, 19.1,
18.8, 18.7, 13.7, 13.5, 13.4; IR (KBr) υ 3340, 2920, 1696, 1471, 1430, 1322, 1225, 1165, 1013, 954, 757,
730 cm-1; HRMS (orbitrap, ESI) calcd for C26H30NO5 [M+H]+ 436.2124, found 436.2104.
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Diisopropyl 3’-oxo-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2,3-dicarboxylate (6g): 68.4 mg
(84%); white solid; mp = 148.9–150.1 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.84 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d,
J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.44–7.33 (m, 3H), 7.24 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J = 6.8 Hz,
1H), 6.64 (br s, 1H), 5.21–5.14 (m, 1H), 4.82 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 4.61–4.55 (m, 1H), 4.17 (d, J = 9.6 Hz,
1H), 1.37 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 6H), 1.05 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 3H), 0.48 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 3H); C{1H} NMR (100
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MHz, CDCl3) δ 170.7, 170.1, 168.9, 147.7, 141.8, 137.6, 132.3, 130.8, 129.5, 129.0, 128.9, 124.7, 123.7,
123.4, 122.6, 71.7, 69.5, 68.8, 56.5, 49.5, 22.0, 21.8, 21.5, 20.5; IR (KBr) υ 3073, 2977, 1701, 1465, 1375,
1310, 1269, 1213, 1174, 1145, 1105, 990, 885, 767, 755, 729 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for
C24H25NO5 [M]+ 407.1733, found 407.1736.
Diisobutyl 3’-oxo-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2,3-dicarboxylate (6h): 80.1 mg
(92%); white solid; mp = 163.9–164.2 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.81 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42–7.31 (m, 4H), 7.22 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.94–6.90 (m, 2H), 4.91 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H),
4.25 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H), 3.55–3.51 (m, 1H), 3.24–3.20 (m, 1H), 2.08–2.01 (m,
1H), 1.49–1.43 (m, 1H), 1.00 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H), 0.69 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.65 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H);
13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.2, 170.3, 169.7, 147.6, 141.7, 137.4, 132.2, 130.6, 129.5, 128.9,
128.8, 124.9, 123.6, 123.5, 122.5, 71.9, 71.8, 71.3, 56.5, 49.5, 27.7, 27.3, 19.1, 18.9, 18.7; IR (KBr) υ
3372, 2957, 1692, 1472, 1364, 1318, 1263, 1152, 994, 887, 753, 731 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd
for C26H29NO5 [M]+ 435.2046, found 435.2047.
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Ethyl 3’-oxo-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2-carboxylate (6i): 53.6 mg
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(70%); white solid; mp = 249.4–250.1 C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.87–7.85 (m, 1H), 7.48–7.45
(m, 2H), 7.39–7.35 (m, 4H), 7.33–7.28 (m, 3H), 7.23 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.15–7.13 (m, 1H), 7.08 (d, J =
7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 5.22 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H), 3.68–3.58 (m,
2H), 0.70 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 170.6, 169.4, 147.8, 143.7, 142.1,
141.6, 132.2, 130.6, 129.4, 128.9, 128.8, 128.2, 127.3, 125.9, 123.5, 123.0, 72.6, 64.3, 60.7, 50.2, 13.4;
IR (KBr) υ 3331, 2973, 1702, 1592, 1465, 1440, 1334, 1223, 1143, 1095, 1010, 964, 803, 790, 775, 755,
727 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C25H21NO3 [M]+ 383.1521, found 383.1524.
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Benzyl 3’-oxo-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,1’-isoindoline]-2-carboxylate (6j): 39.2 mg
(44%); white solid; mp = 269.6–271.1 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.67 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.38–
7.27 (m, 9H), 7.21 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.15–7.13 (m, 3H), 7.10–7.05 (m, 2H), 7.01 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
6.93–6.91 (m, 2H), 5.23 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (q, J = 12.0 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H);
13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 170.4, 169.4, 147.5, 143.5, 141.9, 141.7, 134.6, 132.1, 130.2, 129.4,
128.9, 128.8, 128.5, 128.4, 128.3, 128.1, 127.4, 125.9, 123.6, 123.0, 122.8, 72.6, 66.8, 64.3, 50.4; IR
(KBr) υ 3073, 2891, 1698, 1596, 1452, 1330, 1322, 1223, 1171, 952, 772, 749 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole,
EI) calcd for C30H23NO3 [M]+ 445.1678, found 445.1680.
5’,6’-Dichlorospiro[benzo[b]fluorene-11,1’-isoindoline]-3’,5,10-trione (6k): 24.1 mg (28%);
yellow solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.10 (br s, 1H), 8.33 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
8.16 (dt, J = 6.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.94–7.87 (m, 3H), 7.60 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.50–7.46 (m,
2H), 7.22 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 182.9, 180.4, 167.8, 146.2, 145.9,
145.3, 144.9, 136.3, 134.9, 134.5, 134.2, 133.1, 132.8, 132.6, 132.2, 131.0, 130.1, 126.1, 125.9, 125.7,
125.3, 124.4, 123.4, 70.3; IR (KBr) υ 3363, 2920, 1705, 1659, 1588, 1464, 1396, 1349, 1294, 1269, 1179,
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1116, 957, 889, 752, 715 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C24H11Cl2NO3 [M]+ 431.0116, found
431.0119.
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solid; mp = >300 C; H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.76 (br s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.91–
7.85 (m, 4H), 7.81 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.02–7.00 (m,
3H), 3.86 (s, 3H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 183.1, 180.1, 170.1, 160.4, 147.8, 145.0, 144.8,
139.0, 137.5, 134.5, 134.1, 132.7, 132.6, 132.5, 132.1, 128.7, 126.0, 125.7, 124.1, 123.5, 121.7, 116.6,
110.7, 70.5, 55.6; IR (KBr) υ 3384, 2918, 1702, 1654, 1591, 1461, 1365, 1294, 1216, 1089, 1025, 783,
742, 710 cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C25H15NO4 [M]+ 393.1001, found 393.1003.
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3-Chlorospiro[benzo[b]fluorene-11,1’-isoindoline]-3’,5,10-trione (6m): 26.2 mg (33%); orange
solid; mp = >300 oC; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.82 (br s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d,
J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.93–7.83 (m, 4H), 7.55–7.50 (m, 2H), 7.43 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H),
7.08 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H); C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.7, 180.1, 170.1, 147.7, 146.0, 144.1,
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144.0, 138.1, 134.6, 134.3, 134.1, 132.6, 132.5, 132.4, 132.3, 130.4, 129.1, 126.1, 125.8, 125.1, 124.9,
123.6, 121.8, 70.7; IR (KBr) υ 3371, 2947, 1655, 1365, 1287, 1225, 1132, 1110, 1078, 982, 887, 748, 712
cm-1; HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C24H12ClNO3 [M]+ 397.0506, found 397.0504.
3-Fluorospiro[benzo[b]fluorene-11,1’-isoindoline]-3’,5,10-trione (6n): 22.8 mg (30%); yellow
o
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solid; mp = >300 C; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.19 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H),
8.02 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.79–7.71 (m, 2H), 7.53 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J =
7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.10 (m, 2H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (br s, 1H); 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz,
CDCl3 + 2 drop of DMSO-d6) δ 182.9, 180.1, 171.1, 163.6 (d, JC-F = 246.7 Hz), 148.4, 144.1, 142.0,
138.0 (d, JC-F = 9.8 Hz), 134.2, 133.7, 132.9, 132.6, 132.4, 132.1, 129.1, 126.3 (d, JC-F = 9.0 Hz), 124.6 (d,
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JC-F = 9.1 Hz), 124.5, 120.9, 117.6 (d, JC-F = 23.5 Hz), 113.5 (d, JC-F = 24.8 Hz), 70.9; IR (KBr) υ 3370,
2923, 1701, 1655, 1585, 1462, 1386, 1293, 1269, 1242, 1173, 1074, 996, 832, 819, 791, 743, 708 cm-1;
HRMS (quadrupole, EI) calcd for C24H12FNO3 [M]+ 381.0801, found 381.0802.
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Cancer cell growth inhibition assay (MTT assay): Human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP),
human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (DU145), human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa),
human breast cancer cell (MCF-7), and triple negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were
grown in DMEM medium supplemented with 1% of penicillin/streptomycin, and 10% fetal bovine serum
(all from Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY). Cells were seeded in 96-well plates (3 × 103 cells/well)
containing 100 µL of growth medium for 24 h. After medium removal, 100 µL of fresh medium
containing individual analogue compounds (dissolved in DMSO less than 0.025% in each preparation) at
different concentrations were added to each well and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. After 48 h of incubation,
100 µL of the MTT reagent were added to each well. After 4 h of incubation at 37 °C, the supernatant was
aspirated, and the formazan crystals were dissolved in 100 µL of DMSO at 37 °C for 10 min with gentle
agitation. The absorbance per well was measured at 540 nm using a VERSA max Microplate Reader
(Molecular Devices Corp., USA). The IC50 was defined as the compound concentration
requiredinhibiting cell proliferation by 50% in comparison with cells treated with the maximum amount
of DMSO (0.025%) and considered as 100% viability.
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Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the
Korea
government
(MSIP)
(Nos.
2016R1A4A1011189,
2015R1A2A1A15053033
and
2015H1D3A1058932).
Supporting Information Available: X-ray crystallographic data of compounds (3c, 6i and 6j),
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cytotoxicity data of all synthetic compounds, and H and 13C NMR spectra for all compounds. This
material is available free of charge via the internet at http://pubs.acs.org.
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