Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of 1,1′-spirobi[indan-3,3′-dione] via a double intramolecular C–H insertion process

Abstract

A highly efficient one-pot construction of optically active 1,1′-spirobi[indan-3,3′-dione] derivative (up to 80% ee) has been achieved by exploiting the double intramolecular C–H insertion reaction of dimethyl 2,2′-methylenebis(α-diazo-β-oxobenzenepropanoate) under the influence of dirhodium (II) tetrakis[N-phthaloyl-(R or S)-tert-leucinate] as a catalyst.