Asymmetric Organocatalytic [4 + 1] Annulations Involving a Polarity Reversal Process: A Tandem Catalytic Approach to Highly Functionalized Spiropyrazolone Derivatives

A tandem catalytic strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of spirocyclopentanone pyrazolones bearing three contiguous stereocenters and two quaternary carbons with good stereoselectivities has been developed. This strategy, using pyrazolones as efficient C1 synthons and involving a polarity reversal process, not only overcame the energy barrier of the dearomatization process but also avoided nucleophilic addition of the hydroxy group in the enol form tautomer. Futhermore, spirocyclopentanones could be transformed into spirocyclohexamide pyrazolone with the Lawesson reagent.