The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral phthalides has garnered considerable interest. However, the construction of phthalides with a chiral quaternary carbon stereocenter still remains challenging. In this study, we developed a new strategy toward catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral 3,3-disubstituted phthalides via a dirhodium(II)/phosphine-catalyzed carbonyl addition cascade, yielding phthalides with up to 97% ee values. The reaction proceeded through dirhodium(II)/phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric carbonyl addition of arylboronic acids to isoquinoline-1,3,4(2H)-triones, followed by base-mediated ring contraction.
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