Abstract
Spiro compounds represent an important class of naturally occurring substances characterized by highly pronounced biological properties. The most developed avenue for the synthesis of these compounds depends on the cycloaddition to an exocyclic bond. 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions are considered to be one of the most useful processes for the construction of five membered heterocyclic ring systems in highly regio-and stereoselective manner.
This review describes 1) general methods for generation and preparation of most important 1,3-dipoles such as nitrones, nitrile oxides and azomethine ylides; and 2) the most recent examples of synthetic applications of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions to bioactive spiroheterocyclic compounds.