Asymmetric Synthesis of Quaternary α‐Aryl Stereocentres in Benzofuran‐3(2H)‐ones using Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation

Abstract The Pd‐catalysed decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylation (DAAA) has been applied to the enantioselective synthesis of sterically hindered benzofuran‐3(2 H )‐one‐derived α‐aryl‐β‐keto esters employing the ( R,R )‐ANDEN phenyl Trost ligand. A range of substrates were synthesised, employing previously developed aryllead triacetate methodology to install various aryl groups. The resulting α‐aryl‐α‐allyl benzofuran‐3(2 H )‐one DAAA products were obtained in moderate to high yields and in enantioselectivities of up to 96 % ee, with the best results observed for substrates containing a di‐ ortho ‐substitution pattern on the aryl ring as well as naphthyl‐containing substrates.