Asymmetric synthesis of functionalized dihydronaphthoquinones containing quaternary carbon centers via a metal-free catalytic intramolecular acylcyanation of activated alkenes.

A novel metal-free catalytic annulation was developed through a Lewis base-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation and the ensuing unprecedented asymmetric intramolecular acylcyanation of alkenes. This protocol provides a unique and facile access to prepare enantioenriched densely functionalized dihydronaphthoquinones accompanied by enantiomerically pure 3,3-disubstituted phthalides bearing quaternary carbon centers.