Enoldiazosulfones for Highly Enantioselective [3 + 3]-Cycloaddition with Nitrones Catalyzed by Copper(I) with Chiral BOX Ligands

Enoldiazosulfones undergo [3 + 3]-cycloaddition with nitrones when catalyzed by copper(I) catalysts, but not with dirhodium(II) catalysts. Under mild reaction conditions with chiral bisoxazoline ligands, copper(I) catalysts produce 1,2-oxazine-sulfone derivatives in high yields and enantioselectivities. Dirhodium(II) catalysts form stable donor-acceptor cyclopropenes that undergo uncatalyzed [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions with nitrones.