Optically active thiophenes via an organocatalytic one-pot methodology

A general methodology for the synthesis of trisubstituted, optically active thiophenes by an organocatalytic one-pot reaction cascade is presented. The target products are synthesized in good yields (up to 92%) and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). Importantly, based on practical and easily available starting materials, the presented methodology can be conducted under mild reaction conditions. To further elucidate the generality, the synthesis of optically active thienoindoles, as well as selenophenes, is also demonstrated.