Enantioselective α-Functionalization of 1,3-Dithianes by Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution.

An iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reaction with 2-alkoxy carbonyl-1,3-dithianes has been achieved with high regio- and enantioselectivities. The transformation provides a new method for the enantioselective α-functionalization of dithianes. The corresponding dithiane-containing products are easily converted into many other derivatives with high yields and enantioselectivities.