Tandem Enantioselective Cycloaromatization/Intramolecular Friedel–Crafts Desymmetrization of Cyclohexadienones.

An enantioselective tandem sequence that comprises a cycloaromatization process followed by an intramolecular desymmetrizing Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of functionalized cyclohexadienones has been accomplished. The process takes place in good yields (65–95%), with excellent diastereoselectivity (>20:1) and enantiomeric ratios up to 90.5:9.5 in the presence of (R)‐BINOL‐derived N‐triflyl phosphoramides, and it gains access to a family of pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives in a simple manner, with the simultaneous generation of two vicinal stereocenters, one of them a tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]