Stereoselective Palladium-Catalyzed α-Arylation of 3-Aryl-1-Indanones: An Asymmetric Synthesis of (+)-Pauciflorol F

Highly stereoselective, palladium-catalyzed alpha-arylation reactions of 3-aryl-1-indanones with aryl bromides are described. The use of sodium tert-butoxide as a base in this process is required to elevate the efficiencies and stereoselectivities of these reactions. The new methodology was successfully applied to a highly efficient route for the asymmetric synthesis of (+)-pauciflorol F.