Catalytic asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition between quinones and fulvenes and a subsequent stereoselective isomerization to 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans

Abstract

The catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition between quinones and fulvenes was achieved, for the first time, by the use of a chiral copper(II) complex catalyst. The transformation afforded a series of enantiomerically enriched [6,4,5]-tricyclic cyclobutane derivatives in good yields with excellent regio- and stereoselectivities. Furthermore, the [2+2] adducts could be easily converted into formal [3+2] adducts efficiently and stereoselectively.