Asymmetric Synthesis of a Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonene Derivative Bearing a Quaternary Carbon Stereocenter: Desymmetrization of σ-Symmetrical Diketones through Intramolecular Addition of an Alkenyl Anion

The enantioselective synthesis of a bicyclo[4.3.0]nonene derivative bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter is achieved by employing a desymmetrization strategy involving an intramolecular addition. The intramolecular nucleophilic addition of a highly reactive carbanion generated from an alkenyl iodide in the presence of a chiral ligand occurs with discrimination of two keto carbonyl groups to give the corresponding bicyclic compound in 81% yield and 39% ee. Asymmetric synthesis via an intramolecular desymmetrization strategy using a chiral ligand-carbanion complex represents a complementary approach to using chiral organocatalysts or chiral ligand-transition-metal complexes.