Formation of bis-spiropyrrolidines from isatin, secondary amines, and alkylidene Meldrum's acids

A catalyst-free synthesis of stable bis-spiropyrrolidines from isatin, secondary amines, and alkylidene Meldrum's acids in MeCN in 75-95% yield is described. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the synthesized compounds are investigated. For this purpose, the radical scavenging activities of four derivatives were studied by radical trapping of diphenylpicrylhydrazine and ferric reduction power experiments. Disk diffusion test on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was employed to investigate antibacterial activities of five derivatives.