Highly enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of imino esters with benzofuranone derivatives catalyzed by thiourea−quaternary ammonium salt

Highly enantioselective 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-arylidene-benzofuran- 3(2H)-ones with imino esters catalyzed by thiourea−quaternary ammonium salts has been developed. This reaction provides efficient construction of a range of chiral spiro[benzofuran-2,3′-pyrrolidine] in high yields (up to 99%) and with good enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) under mild conditions.