Silver‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Dearomatization of Electron‐Deficient Heteroarenes via Interrupted Barton–Zard Reaction

Herein we report a catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reaction of electron‐deficient heteroarenes with α‐substituted isocyanoacetates through an interrupted Barton–Zard reaction. A range of optically active pyrrolo[3,4‐b]indole derivatives was obtained in good yields (up to 97 %) with high stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr and 97 % ee), using a catalytic system consisting of a cinchona‐derived amino‐phosphine and silver oxide. This reaction features wide substrate scope and mild conditions, and provides a new strategy for developing asymmetric dearomatization reactions.