An Enantioselective Assembly of Dihydropyranones Through an NHC/LiCl‐Mediated in situ Activation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids.

A straightforward N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/LiCl-mediated synthesis of dihydropyranones from α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was realized through the in situ activation strategy. The key advantages of this protocol include ready availability and high stability of starting materials, good yields, and excellent enantioselectivity.