Intramolecular Cascade Cyclization of Cyclobutanone: Asymmetric Construction of Cyclobutanone Fused Oxa-Spirocycles

The successful implementation of a cascade reaction involving a cyclobutyl unit has posed a significant challenge in achieving ring-retentive functionalization because of the ring's sacrificial tendency. Herein, we have accomplished a cinchona-derived squaramide-catalyzed cascade reaction sequence, encompassing the desymmetrization of cyclobutanone, followed by an aldol reaction and, subsequently, a 1,4-addition step. This overall process offers a viable strategy to access architecturally fascinating oxa-spirocycles fused with cyclobutanone motifs in good yields with high optical purity.