Relay catalysis: combined metal catalyzed oxidation and asymmetric iminium catalysis for the synthesis of Bi- and tricyclic chromenes

A catalytic asymmetric oxidative iminium–allenamine cascade allows the use of propargyl alcohols as stable substrates and yields valuable chiral bicyclic 4H-chromenes. A subsequent Michael addition–condensation domino reaction provides complex tricyclic 4H-chromenes in a highly enantioselective fashion.