An Asymmetric Aerobic Aza‐Wacker‐Type Cyclization: Synthesis of Isoindolinones Bearing Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters

It's all in the solvent: An enantioselective variant of an aza-Wacker-type cyclization that gives isoindolinones containing tetrasubstituted carbon centers α to the nitrogen atom has been developed (see scheme; tfa=trifluoroacetate). The use of a highly coordinating solvent is crucial for the activity of the catalyst and the stereoselectivity the reaction (up to 99 % ee).