Asymmetric Sequential Vinylogous Mannich/Annulation/Acylation Process of 2‐Ethylidene 1,3‐Indandiones and Isatin N‐Boc Ketimines: Access to Chiral Spiro‐Oxindole Piperidine Derivatives.

A catalytic asymmetric vinylogous Mannich/annulation/acylation reaction of 2‐ethylidene 1,3‐indandiones with isatin N‐Boc ketimines has been developed, which furnished a series of chiral spiro‐oxindole piperidine derivatives with polyaromatic scaffolds in 30–67% yield and 93–98% ee. The DFT computational calculation is used to probe and explain the origin of the enantioselectivity and observed formation of O‐acetylated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]