An indium-mediated allylative/transesterification DFT-directed approach to chiral C(3)-functionalized phthalides.

A one-pot synthesis of chiral C(3)-substituted phthalides via an indium-mediated allylation/transesterification reaction is described. The development of this reaction was facilitated through the applied use of DFT calculations to rationalize the stereoselection of a chiral In-mediated process. It was discovered that the enantiomeric excess of this reaction depended upon the steric size, chain length, and substitution of the aldehyde employed.