One-Pot Catalysis Using a Chiral Iridium Complex/Brønsted Base: Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Catalponol.

Tandem asymmetric hydrogen transfer oxidation/aldol condensation under relay catalysis of a chiral iridium complex/achiral Brønsted base binary system is described for the synthesis of α-benzylidene-γ-hydroxytetralones with high ee's. A two-step synthesis of catalponol was achieved using this sequential methodology together with regio- and stereoselective hydroboration.