Enantioselective synthesis of chiral 3-aryl-1-indanones through rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular 1,4-addition.

Enantioselective synthesis of potentially useful chiral 3-aryl-1-indanones was achieved through a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular 1,4-addition of pinacolborane chalcone derivatives using extraordinary simple MonoPhos as chiral ligand under relatively mild conditions. This novel protocol offers an easy access to a wide variety of enantioenriched 3-aryl-1-indanone derivatives in high yields (up to 95%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).