Dissecting the stereocontrol elements of a catalytic asymmetric chlorolactonization: syn addition obviates bridging chloronium.

We report absolute and relative stereochemistry of addition in enantioselective chlorolactonizations of 4-phenyl-4-pentenoic acid and its related t-butyl ester, catalyzed by (DHQD)2PHAL. Predominant syn addition of the chlorenium and the nucleophile across the olefin is observed. As shown by isotopic labeling, NMR spectroscopy, and derivative studies, the two new stereocenters formed by addition across the double bond are set independently and influenced by different factors. These findings suggest a stepwise process via an intermediate capable of lactone closure with either stereochemistry, in contradistinction to the more familiar scenario in which anti addition is dictated by a bridging chloronium ion intermediate.