Strategies and Methods for the Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Benzofuran/Benzopyran Fused Acetals: A Review

Abstract Benzofuran‐ and benzopyran‐fused polycyclic acetals are found in a variety of biologically active natural products. The synthetic methods toward this class of polycyclic heterocycles have fascinated one of the most intensive pursuits in total synthesis. Nevertheless, stereoselective methods towards the rapid construction of such skeletons still remain challenging for organic chemists. Significant progress has been made in this research area in recent years, however, literature on enantioselective approaches to construct these molecules has not fully reviewed. Driven by their intriguing and complex scaffolds with potential usefulness, we compose the recent advances in this review covering all the important works in this field. We hope this review will promote future research in this area.