Asymmetric Synthesis of 2,2-Disubstituted Benzofuranones through an Organocatalytic Alkylation with Nitroallylic Acetates

The asymmetric allylic alkylation of benzofuran-3(2 H )-ones with nitroallylic acetates has been achieved employing a bifunctional thiourea organocatalyst via S N 2′ substitution. A series of 2,2-disubstituted benzofuranones bearing adjacent tetrasubstituted and tertiary stereocenters have been synthesized with moderate to good yields and very good stereoselectivities.