Enantioselective [4 + 2] cycloadditions of o-quinone methides: total synthesis of (+)-mimosifoliol and formal synthesis of (+)-tolterodine.

The first example of an enantioselective cycloaddition of an o-quinone methide (o-QM) with a chiral enol ether is described along with the total synthesis of (+)-mimosifoliol and the formal synthesis of (+)-tolterodine. These syntheses exemplify a three-component, one-pot benzopyran approach for the construction of chiral benzylic junctions. Cycloadditions of various enol ethers and o-QMs are examined, and diastereoselectivities >95% are obtained with trans-2-phenyl-1-cyclohexanol and 2,2-diphenylcyclopentanol vinyl ethers.