Enantioselective Synthesis of Chromanones Bearing Quaternary Substituted Stereocenters Catalyzed by (1R)-Camphor-Derived N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

A catalytic asymmetric intramolecular crossed-benzoin reaction for the synthesis of chromanones by novel camphor-derived N-heterocyclic carbenes is described. The corresponding chromanones bearing quaternary stereogenic centers were isolated in high yields with high to excellent enantioselectivity.