Ming-Phos/Gold(I)-Catalyzed Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Indolyl-Substituted Cyclopenta[ c]furans.

A highly enantioselective gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular tandem cyclization/[3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones with 3-stylindoles was achieved by using Ming-Phos as a chiral ligand. A variety of chiral highly substituted cyclopenta[ c]furans were obtained in good yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (>20:1) and enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). The salient features of the present protocol include mild conditions, excellent yields, and high diastereo- and enantioselectivities, using readily available starting materials and a chiral ligand.