Oxidative NHC catalysis: direct activation of β sp3 carbons of saturated acid chlorides

Abstract

The first activation of saturated acid chlorides by oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis has been successfully utilized to synthesize enantio-enriched spirooxindole lactones and δ-lactones. The reaction involves the transformation of the β sp³ carbon of saturated acid chlorides into an electrophilic carbon as a key step. The product was obtained in excellent yield and stereoselectivity.