Asymmetric construction of dihydrobenzofuran-2,5-dione derivatives via desymmetrization of p-quinols with azlactones

The desymmetrization of p-quinols through a chiral bisguanidinium hemisalt catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition/lactonization cascade reaction with azlactones was reported. 3-Amino-benzofuran-2,5-diones containing a chiral amino acid residue were achieved with up to 99% ee and >19:1 dr. An exploration of the structure of the catalyst bisguanidinium was undertaken, revealing a bifunctional catalytic model.