Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirocyclohexadienones by NHC-Catalyzed Formal [3+3] Annulation Reaction of Enals.

The enantioselective synthesis of pyrazolone-fused spirocyclohexadienones was demonstrated by the reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with α-arylidene pyrazolinones under oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)catalysis. This atom-economic and formal [3+3] annulation reaction proceeds through a vinylogous Michael addition/spiroannulation/dehydrogenation cascade to afford spirocyclic compounds with an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter in moderate to good yields and excellent ee values. Key to the success of the reaction is the cooperative NHC-catalyzed generation of chiral α,β-unsaturated acyl azoliums from enals, and base-mediated tandem generation of dienolate/enolate intermediates from pyrazolinones.