Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrofluoren-9- ones via Vinylogous Michael Addition/Henry Reaction Cascade of 1,3-Indandione-Derived Pronucleophiles
- An unprecedented organocatalytic enantioselective vinylogous Michael addition/Henry cyclization cascade is presented for the synthesis of highly substituted tetrahydrofluoren-9-ones 3 employing novel 1,3-indandionederived pronucleophiles 1a−g and nitroalkenes 2. Following a very simple protocol, a wide range of products were obtained in good to excellent yields and with excellent enantioinduction (43−98% yield, up to 98% ee). The reaction proceeded with excellent diastereocontrol despite the simultaneous generation of four stereogenic centers. Surprisingly, when 2-(1-phenylethylidene)-1H-indandione (1h) was used as a pronucleophile, no cyclization was observed, and only Michael addition adducts 4a−x were furnished in very good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.