An efficient binary acid catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular tandem 1,5-hydride transfer/ring-closure
reaction was achieved. The process is catalyzed by the combination of a chiral spirocyclic
phosphoric acid and magnesium chloride to afford structurally diverse spirooxindole
tetrahydroquinolines in good yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.
Key words
asymmetric catalysis - phosphoric acid - Lewis acid - spirooxindoles - quaternary
stereocenter