The palladium catalysed reactions of 2-halophenols and -anilines with vinyl halides or triflates and CO(1atm) generates 3-spiro-2-oxindoles and 3-spiro-2(3 H)-benzofuranones. Analogous tetramolecular reactions employing norbornenyl triflate and organo-tin(IV) or -boron(III) reagents allow additional functionality to be incorporated regio- and stereo-specifically.