Highly stereoselective synthesis of indanes with four stereogenic centers via sequential Michael reaction and [3+2] cycloaddition

A highly efficient organocatalytic sequential reaction involving Michael addition of bis(phenylsulfonyl) ethylene, in situ condensation and intramolecular nitrone [3 + 2] cycloaddition with a variety of aldehydes and hydroxyamines to afford a single diastereomer of indanes with four stereogenic centers in excellent yields and stereoselectivities was developed.