Enantioselective synthesis of spiro- N, O-ketals via iridium and Brønsted acid co-catalyzed asymmetric formal [4+2] cycloaddition

Chem Commun (Camb). 2024 Feb 1;60(11):1448-1451. doi: 10.1039/d3cc05923e.

Abstract

We present an iridium and Brønsted acid co-catalyzed enantioselective formal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of cyclic enamides with 2-(1-hydroxyallyl)phenols. This method yields a wide range of N-unsubstituted spiro-N,O-ketals, with good efficiency (up to 94%) and excellent enantioselectivities (most >95% ee). The protocol features easy scale-up and facile product derivatization.