Catalytic Asymmetric Inverse-Electron-Demand Hetero-Diels-Alder Reaction of Dioxopyrrolidines with Hetero-Substituted Alkenes.

A highly efficient enantioselective inverse-electron-demand hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of dioxopyrrolidines with heterosubstituted alkenes has been realized by using a N, N'-dioxide/Ni(II) complex as the catalyst. A series of chiral bicyclic dihydropyranes were generated in excellent yields, good dr, and excellent ee values. Besides, a catalytic cycle with a possible transition state was proposed.