Synthesis of Phthalans Via Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cyclization/Carboetherification of 2-Vinylbenzyl Alcohols.

Enantiomerically enriched phthalans were synthesized efficiently via an enantioselective copper-catalyzed alkene carboetherification reaction. In this reaction, 2-vinylbenzyl alcohols enantioselectively cyclize then couple with vinylarenes. The utility of the method was demonstrated by the enantioselective synthesis of ( R)-fluspidine, a σ1 receptor ligand.