Organocatalytic asymmetric one-pot sequential reaction: synthesis of highly substituted spirocyclohexanepyrazolones with six contiguous stereogenic carbons

An atom-economical synthesis of chiral polyfunctionalized spiropyrazolone derivatives based on the development of a new organocatalytic enantioselective one-pot sequential Michael/Michael/Aldol reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with unsaturated pyrazolones and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The notable features of this one-pot sequential process include the generation of up to six consecutive stereogenic carbon centers including one quaternary stereocenter and five tertiary stereocenters with high enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee) and excellent diastereoselectivities (>99:1 d.r.). (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.