Tandem [5+1] annulation–isocyanide cyclization: efficient synthesis of hydroindolones

A new strategy for the rapid construction of functionalized reduced indoles starting from activated methylene isocyanides and 1,5-dielectrophilic 5-oxohepta-2,6-dienoates (and their equivalents) through a [5+1] annulation–isocyanide cyclization cascade under basic conditions has been developed. This strategy allows the synthesis of polysubstituted dihydroindolones and tetrahydroindolones in high to excellent yields under extremely mild conditions in a single step.