Reverse regioselectivity: The first catalytic asymmetric C-1 functionalization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds by an aldol reaction is described, which regioselectively affords 6-hydroxyhexane-2,4-dione derivatives as the only product with high optical purity of up to 93 % ee. Furthermore, this method provides a facile access to enantioenriched oxygen-containing spirooxindoles and spirobutyrolactones from simple commercial available starting materials (see scheme).
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