A biology-oriented synthesis of 3,3-spiro(2-tetrahydrofuranyl)oxindole derivatives is realized through the rhodium(II)-catalyzed three-component reaction of diazoamides, aldehydes and β-nitrostyrenes. The reactions are conducted under mild conditions and the products are obtained in moderate to good yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. © 2017 Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New York.