NHC-Catalyzed Asymmetric Formal [4 + 2] Annulation To Construct Spirocyclohexane Pyrazolone Skeletons.

A chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of γ-chloroenals and α-arylidene pyrazolinones was developed in the absence of expensive oxidants. The reaction proceeds smoothly via a vinyl enolate intermediate to afford spirocyclohexane pyrazolones in moderate to good yield (up to 86%) with high diastereoselectivities (up to 15:1 dr) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).