Carbene-Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of Cyclobutenones and Isatins for Quick Access to Chiral Chlorine-Containing Spirocyclic δ-Lactones.

Here we report a carbene-catalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of cyclobutenones with isatins for the quick and efficient synthesis of spirocyclic δ-lactones bearing a chiral chlorine. A broad range of substrates with various substitution patterns proceed smoothly in this reaction, with the spirooxindole δ-lactone products afforded in generally good to excellent yields and optical purities under mild reaction conditions.