One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Quinoxalinone Containing Spiropyrrolidine‐oxindole via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition with Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction in HCT‐116 Cells

A catalyst‐free, one‐pot 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between azomethine ylides (generated in situ) and ( E )‐3‐styrylquinoxalin‐2(1 H )‐ones led to the formation of a series of quinoxalinone containing spiropyrrolidine‐oxindoles. Subsequently, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized derivatives against the panel of Human NCI‐60 cancer cell lines alongside normal cell lines was evaluated using SRB assay. Among all the derivatives, 4 h was found to be the most potent, selective, restrict cell migration and induce apoptosis with elevated ROS levels in HCT‐116. This study emphasizes the potency of the derivatives as promising leads for the further development of potent anti‐cancer agents.