<div><p></p><p>An efficient, four-component reaction of isatin, 1,3-indanedione, ethyl acetoacetate, and ammonium acetate in ethanol/water (9:1) system furnished spiro[4<i>H</i>-indeno[1,2-b]pyridine-4,3′-[3<i>H</i>]indoles] at room temperature. Merits of the method are mild reaction conditions, simple workup procedure, and ambient temperature. The synthesized compounds exhibit excellent fluorescence properties.</p></div