Stereoconvergent Conjugate Addition of Arylboronic Acids to α‑Angelica Lactone Derivatives: Synthesis of Stereochemically Complex γ‑Butyrolactones

Catalyzed stereoconvergent 1,4-additions to unsaturated carbonyls are rare but of high potential value. This letter details the development of enantioselective arylation reactions of boronic acids and β,γ-butenolides. These reactions are catalyzed by commercially available hydroxy­[(S)-BINAP]-rhodium­(I) dimer to afford stereochemically complex γ-butyrolactone derivatives. The reaction products provide functionality amenable to further manipulation and can lead to products with up to three contiguous stereocenters. The reaction proceeds under a dynamic kinetic resolution manifold by isomerizing the achiral starting material into an interconverting mixture of enantiomeric conjugate acceptors, followed by catalyst-controlled, enantiomer-selective 1,4-addition. Base-promoted racemization of the intermediate α,β-butenolide is possible due to the high kinetic and thermodynamic acidity of the γ-proton.