Synthesis of novel spirooxindoles in water by using MnFe2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient magnetically recoverable and reusable catalyst

•An efficient, relatively safe and eco-friendly procedure had been reported.•Novel spirooxindoles via a simple, one-pot three-component reaction synthesized.•Nano MnFe2O4 as a powerful, green, recyclable and reusable catalyst had been used.•Water as a green, safe, inexpensive, and available solvent had been used.•In this method, the reaction times are short and the yields are high. An efficient, clean, atom-economical and simple method for the one-pot synthesis of novel spirooxindole derivatives via a three-component reaction of isatins, dimedone and anilinolactones was reported. This reaction was performed by using MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (5mol%) as an efficient magnetically heterogeneous catalyst in water as green solvent. Prominent among the advantages of this method is the use of magnetically recoverable and reusable catalyst, simple work up procedure, good to high product yields and use of water as a solvent that is considered to be relatively environmentally benign.