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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species
Published on: August 16, 2018
Phosphine-Catalyzed Enantioselective [2 + 2] Annulations of α-Allyl γ-Benzyl Allenoates via a Transannular
Xu-Ling Pan1, Wei-Guo Xiao1, Li-Jun Xiao1
1State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
Abstract:
Fused cyclobutane frameworks are valuable scaffolds in natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet catalytic asymmetric methods for their construction remain rare due to ring strain and stereocontrol challenges. Here, we report a spiro phosphine-catalyzed, stereoconvergent, and enantioselective [2 + 2] annulation of racemic α-allyl γ-benzyl allenoates via transannular cyclization, efficiently delivering bicyclo[3.2.0]heptenes in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity. Experimental studies and DFT calculations indicate a stepwise mechanism involving seven-membered zwitterion formation, dynamic kinetic resolution through reversible nucleophilic addition, and a rate- and enantioselectivity-determining deprotonation via intramolecular hydrogen transfer. This protocol offers a concise and general approach to enantioenriched fused cyclobutanes, expanding synthetic options for drug discovery.
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