Enantioselective Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl α,β-Unsaturated δ-Lactones via Vinylogous Aldol-Lactonization Cascade.

The novel vinylogous aldol-lactonization cascade of alkylidene oxindole with trifluoromethyl ketones is presented. The reaction, catalyzed by a bifunctional tertiary amine, provides an efficient application of the vinylogous reactivity of alkylidene oxindoles for the preparation of enantioenriched trifluoromethylated α,β-unsaturated δ-lactones.