Enantioselective Synthesis of 3-Methyleneindan-1-ols via a One-Pot Allylboration-Heck Reaction of 2-Bromobenzaldehydes.

A novel, one-pot allylboration-Heck reaction of 2-bromobenzaldehydes has been developed for the general and efficient synthesis of 3-methyleneindan-1-ols. Modification of the one-pot procedure to include chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed allylation has allowed the preparation of these building blocks in high enantioselectivity and excellent yields.