Catalytic asymmetric Povarov reaction of isatin-derived 2-azadienes with 3-vinylindoles

Abstract

The first catalytic asymmetric Povarov reaction of isatin-derived 2-azadienes with 3-vinylindoles was established in the presence of chiral phosphoric acid, which tolerates a wide range of substrates with generally excellent diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity (up to >95 : 5 dr, 89 : 11 er). This approach will greatly enrich the chemistry of the catalytic asymmetric Povarov reaction, in particular ketone-involved transformations. Furthermore, this protocol represents the first diastereo- and enantio-selective construction of a spiro[indolin-3,2′-quinoline] framework bearing an indole moiety. This novel type of spiro-compound not only contains two chiral centers, including one quaternary stereogenic center, but also integrates two biologically important structures of spiro[indolin-3,2′-quinoline] and indole, which may find medicinal applications after bioassay.