Regioselectivity-reversed asymmetric aldol reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.

Reverse regioselectivity: The first catalytic asymmetric C-1 functionalization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds by an aldol reaction is described, which regioselectively affords 6-hydroxyhexane-2,4-dione derivatives as the only product with high optical purity of up to 93 % ee. Furthermore, this method provides a facile access to enantioenriched oxygen-containing spirooxindoles and spirobutyrolactones from simple commercial available starting materials (see scheme).