Aminocatalyzed Synthesis of Enantioenriched Phenalene Skeletons through a Friedel–Crafts/Cyclization Strategy

A series of enantioenriched phenalene-derived compounds were accessed by a Friedel–Crafts/cyclization strategy. Starting from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 2-naphthol derivatives, high levels of enantioselectivity were obtained through iminium–enamine catalysis. The catalytic system composed of a diphenylprolinol silyl ether organocatalyst and triethylamine as a base was applied to a combination of diversely functionalized substrates. The obtained phenalene-derived architectures are promising building blocks for reaching natural products and exhibit fluorescence properties.