Enantioselective Three-Component Coupling of Heteroarenes, Cycloalkenes and Propargylic Acetates.

Asymmetric coupling proceeds efficiently between propargylic acetates, cycloalkenes and electron-rich heteroarenes including indoles, pyrroles, activated furans and thiophens. 2,3-Disubstituted tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines are produced in trans configuration and excellent enantiomeric ratios. The reaction proceeds via Wacker-type attack of heteroarenes on alkenes activated by electron-deficient Pd(II) species.