Phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of γ-substituent allenoates: facile access to functionalized spirocyclic skeletons.

The first phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of γ-substituted allenoates with 2-arylidene-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-diones is disclosed. In the reaction, the γ-substituted allenoate serves as a new type of 1,4-dipolar synthon; this broadens the application of γ-substituted allenoates. This method also offers a powerful approach to the construction of highly substituted spiro[4.5]dec-6-ene skeletons in excellent yields, and with complete regioselectivity and high diastereoselectivity.