Organocatalytic Asymmetric Cascade Reactions of 7‐Vinylindoles: Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of C7‐Functionalized Indoles

The first catalytic asymmetric cascade reaction of 7‐vinylindoles has been established by the rational design of such substrates. Cascade reactions with isatin‐derived 3‐indolylmethanols in the presence of a chiral phosphoric acid derivative allow the diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis of C7‐functionalized indoles as well as the construction of cyclopenta[ b ]indole and spirooxindole frameworks (all >95:5 d.r., 94–>99 % ee ). This approach not only addresses the great challenge of the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of C7‐functionalized indoles, but also provides an efficient method for constructing biologically important cyclopenta[ b ]indole and spirooxindole scaffolds with excellent optical purity. Investigation of the reaction pathway and activation mode has suggested that this cascade reaction proceeds through a vinylogous Michael addition/Friedel–Crafts process, in which dual H‐bonding activation of the two reactants plays a crucial role.