Organocatalytic Formal (3 + 2) Cycloaddition toward Chiral Pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles via Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Allene Intermediates.

We report the chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed formal (3 + 2) cycloaddition of 3-substituted 1H-indoles and propargylic alcohols containing a functional directing group (p-NHAc or p-OH). This work represents a straightforward method to synthesize chiral pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole bearing a tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter. The reaction proceeds smoothly with a wide array of substrate tolerance to deliver various chiral pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles in up to 93% yield and 98% ee. The utility of this method is highlighted by the diverse transformations of the products into various indole derivatives.