Differentiating Catalysis in the Dearomative [4 + 2]-Cycloaddition Involving Enals and Heteroaromatic Aldehydes

In this paper, the application of differentiating catalysis in the [4 + 2]-cycloaddition between 2-alkyl-3-formylheteroarenes and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is described. Within the developed approach, the same aminocatalyst is employed for the independent activation of both starting materials, differentiating their properties via LUMO-lowering and HOMO-rising principles. By the combination of dearomative dienamine activation with iminium ion chemistry high enantio- and diastereoselectivity of the doubly asymmetric process was accomplished. Selected transformations of products were also demonstrated.