Enantioselective Formal [4+2] Cycloadditions to 3-Nitroindoles by Trienamine Catalysis: Synthesis of Chiral Dihydrocarbazoles

The first enantioselective formal [4+2] cycloadditions of 3-nitroindoles are presented. By using 3-nitroindoles in combination with an organocatalyst, chiral dihydrocarbazole scaffolds are formed in moderate to good yields (up to 87%) and enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). The reaction was extended to include enantioselective [4+2] cycloadditions of 3-nitrobenzothiophene. The reaction proceeds through a [4+2] cycloaddition/elimination cascade under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, a diastereoselective reduction of an enantioenriched cycloadduct is presented. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed based on experimental and computational studies.