Catalytic Asymmetric 4 + 1 Annulation of Sulfur Ylides with Copper–Allenylidene Intermediates

The first copper-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative 4 + 1 cycloaddition of propargylic carbamates and sulfur ylides was successfully developed. This strategy led to a series of chiral indolines with synthetically flexible alkyne groups in good yields and with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 99% yield, 98% ee, and >95:5 dr). A possible mechanism and stereoinduction mode with copper-allenylidenes were proposed as the possible dipolar intermediate.