Synthesis of Concave and Vaulted 2-Pyran-Fused BINOLs and Corresponding [5] and [7]-Oxa-helicenoids: Regioselective Cascade-Concerted Route and DFT Studies.

Synthesis of concave and vaulted 2-pyran-fused BINOLs has been achieved. A regioselective, path-breaking concerted cascade route allows the placement of six-membered heteroaromatic rings at the sterically crowded 7,8 and 7',8' positions of BINOL. DFT studies with relative energetics that support the kinetically controlled reaction pathway are preferred, matching the experimental results.