Asymmetric Synthesis of Fused Tetrahydroquinolines via Intramolecular Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction of ortho-Quinone Methide Imines

Aza-Diels Alder reactions are straightforward processes in the construction of N-heterocycles, featuring inherent atom-economy and stereospecificity. Intramolecular strategies allow formation of bicyclic core structures with up to three stereocenters within a single step. Herein, this concept is combined with the chemistry of chiral Brønsted acid-bound ortho-quinone methide imines generating a range of interesting fused tetrahydro-quinolines in a diastereo- and enantioselective manner.