Asymmetric Formal Coupling of β-Ketoesters with Quinones Promoted by a Chiral Bifunctional N-Heterocyclic Olefin.

A highly enantioselective formal coupling of β-ketoesters with quinones was accomplished by a chiral bifunctional N -heterocyclic olefin organocatalyst. With as low as 1 mol % catalyst loading, a number of enantioenriched quinone derivatives were afforded in good yields with high enantioselectivities and regioselectivities (up to 96% yield, 98% ee, and 19:1 rr). Gram-scale synthesis and the high inhibitory effect of several products on the viability of cancer cells demonstrate the potential utility of the current method.