Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of C1- and C2-Symmetric Spirobiindanones through Counterion-Directed Enolate C-Acylation

A catalytic enantioselective route to C1‐ and C2‐symmetric 2,2′‐spirobiindanones has been realized through an intramolecular enolate C‐acylation. This reaction employs a chiral ammonium counterion to direct the acylation of an in situ generated ketone enolate with a pentafluorophenyl ester. This reaction constitutes the first example of a direct catalytic enantioselective C‐acylation of a ketone and provides an efficient and highly enantioselective route to axially chiral spirobiindanediones. These products can be diastereoselectively derivatized, offering access to a range of functionalized spirocyclic architectures. Spirocyclic architectures: A catalytic enantioselective route to C1‐ and C2‐symmetric 2,2′‐spirobiindanones has been realized through an intramolecular enolate C‐acylation. This reaction employs a chiral counterion to direct the acylation of an in situ generated enolate, and constitutes the first example of an enantioselective phase‐transfer mediated C‐acylation.