Enantioselective Intramolecular Dearomative Lactonization of Naphthols Catalyzed by Planar Chiral Iodoarene.

A series of planar chiral iodoarenes based on [2.2]paracyclophane was synthesized. An efficient asymmetric intramolecular oxidative lactonization of naphthols enabled by a combination of these chiral iodoarenes and m CPBA as oxidant is reported. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions, allowing the formation of spirolactones bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in moderate yields and good enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]