The spiroketal functionality is an important structural motif present in numerous
natural products. The synthesis of chiral spiroketals is typically achieved under
equilibrating conditions and only few asymmetric approaches are known. We have demonstrated
that chiral phosphoric acids (CPAs) could serve as effective catalysts for enantioselective
spiroketalizations as well as control the course of the corresponding diastereoselective
reactions.
Key words
acetals - spiro compounds - asymmetric catalysis - oxocarbenium ion - enantioselectivity
- diastereoselectivity - chiral phosphoric acids