Reaction between enaminones and acetylenic esters in the presence of triphenylphosphine: a convenient synthesis of alkyl 2(1-benzyl-2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-indol-3-yl)acetates.

One-pot reaction between enaminocarbonyl compounds derived from six-membered 1,3-diketones and substituted benzylamines, and electron-deficient acetylenic esters in the presence of triphenylphosphine lead to alkyl 2-(1-benzyl-6,6-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-indol-3-yl)acetate derivatives in good yields.