Remote ester groups switch selectivity: diastereodivergent synthesis of tetracyclic spiroindolines

Stereocontrol in the synthesis of structurally complex molecules, especially those with all-carbon quaternary stereocenters, remains a challenge. Here, we reported the preparation of a class of tetracyclic cyclopenta-fused spiroindoline skeletons through Cu(II)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] annulation reactions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with indoles. Both cis- and trans-diastereomers of tetracyclic spiroindolines are accessed with high selectivities by altering the remote ester groups of cyclopropanes. The origins of this stereocontrol are identified using DFT calculations: attractive interactions between the ester group and arene favor the generation of the trans isomer, while the formation of the cis isomer is preferred when steric repulsions become predominant.