Enantioselective Synthesis of 2,6-<i>cis</i>-Disubstituted Tetrahydropyrans via a Tandem Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation/Oxa-Michael Cyclization: An Efficient Approach to (−)-Centrolobine
A highly efficient one-pot process via a tandemreaction of catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation and oxa-Michael cyclization for the synthesis of 2,6-cis-disubstituted tetrahydropyrans has been developed (ee up to 99.9%, cis/trans-selectivity up to 99:1). This method provides a concise route to (−)-centrolobine (68.8% yield, three steps).