Synfacts 2011(4): 0443-0443  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1259617
Organo- and Biocatalysis
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

A Cascade Annulation of Enals and Dienones

Contributor(s): Benjamin List, Ji-Woong Lee
X. Fang, K. Jiang, C. Xing, L. Hao, Y. R. Chi*
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 March 2011 (online)

Significance

The authors describe a highly ­regio- and stereoselective cascade annulation of enals 1 and benzodi(enone)s 2 catalyzed by chiral NHCs. By controlling the electronic properties of the dienones, regioselective annulations of unsymmetrical dienones could also be achieved. The previously reported cyclopentene derivatives 5 were not detected (see also: V. Nair et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 8736).