Catalytic Asymmetric Inverse-Electron-Demand Hetero-Diels–Alder Reaction of Dioxopyrrolidines with Hetero-Substituted Alkenes

A highly efficient enantioselective inverse-electron-demand hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of dioxopyrrolidines with heterosubstituted alkenes has been realized by using a N,N′-dioxide/Ni­(II) complex as the catalyst. A series of chiral bicyclic dihydropyranes were generated in excellent yields, good dr, and excellent ee values. Besides, a catalytic cycle with a possible transition state was proposed.