Catalytic Desymmetrization of <i>meso</i>-Aziridines with Benzofuran-2(3<i>H</i>)‑Ones Employing a Simple In Situ-Generated Magnesium Catalyst

The first example of catalytic desymmetrization of meso-aziridines with benzofuran-2­(3H)-ones is realized by employing a magnesium catalyst utilizing BINOL as a simple and commercially available chiral ligand. Both of the enantiomers of the ring-opening product could be easily accessed by employing (R)- or (S)-BINOL as chiral ligand, respectively. A variety of enantioenriched 3,3-disubstituted benzofuran-2­(3H)-ones containing multiple linear continuous stereocenters were obtained with moderate to good yields, diastereo- and enantioselectivities.