N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopentenones

Abstract

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed asymmetric construction of cyclopentenones using enals and α-diketones is achieved, furnishing a series of highly functionalized cyclopentenones in a highly diastereo- and enantioselective manner. The protocol tolerates substrates with both aromatic and aliphatic groups, and further transformations of the products delivered a range of value-added molecules.