Pd(II)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Annulation toward the Synthesis of 2,3-Disubstituted Chiral Indenols.

An enantioselective asymmetric annulation of 2-formylboronic acids with internal alkynes has been realized using a chiral phosphinooxazoline/palladium(II) catalyst. The reaction tolerates a variety of alkynes including the relatively inert diaryl substituted internal ones. A wide range of optically active 2,3-disubstituted indenols was afforded in high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield and 99% ee).

Access to Spiroindolines and Spirodihydrobenzofurans via Pd-Catalyzed Domino Heck Spiroyclization through C-H Activation and Carbene Insertion.

A new palladium-catalyzed domino approach for the synthesis of attractive spirocyclic indolines and dihydrobenzofurans was developed. The reaction proceeds through a sequential intramolecular Heck spirocyclization, remote C-H activation, and diazocarbonyl carbene insertion. Various spiroindolines and spirodihydrobenzofurans containing two quartenary carbon stereocenters were readily obtained in good to excellent yields. A preliminary study of asymmetric spirocyclization using chiral monophosphoramidite as a ligand was also conducted, enabling access to highly valuable chiral spiroindolines with up to 80% ee.