Tandem [3 + 2] Cycloaddition/1,4-Addition Reaction of Azomethine Ylides and Aza-o-quinone Methides for Asymmetric Synthesis of Imidazolidines.

An enantioselective synthesis of biologically important imidazolidines has been achieved via a tandem [3 + 2] cycloaddition/1,4-addition reaction of azomethine ylide and aza-o-quinone methides. With the use of this tool, various imidazolidine derivatives are obtained in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities.