Dinuclear zinc-catalyzed desymmetric intramolecular aldolization: an enantioselective construction of spiro[cyclohexanone-oxindole] derivatives

Abstract

Based on oxindole-derived diketones as the substrates, asymmetric desymmetrizing intramolecular aldol or aldol condensation reactions are reported, which are catalyzed by a Trost bis-ProPhenol dinuclear zinc complex. The corresponding spiro[cyclohexanone-oxindole] derivatives were obtained in good yields with moderate to good enantioselectivities.