Enantioselective Reactions of 2‐Sulfonylalkyl Phenols with Allenic Esters: Dynamic Kinetic Resolution and [4+2] Cycloaddition Involving ortho‐Quinone Methide Intermediates

We report herein a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) involving ortho‐quinone methide (o‐QM) intermediates. In the presence of Et3N and the cinchonine‐derived nucleophilic catalyst D, the DKR of 2‐sulfonylalkyl phenols with allenic esters afforded chiral benzylic sulfones in 57–79 % yield with good to excellent enantioselectivity (85–95 % ee). Furthermore, with 2‐(tosylmethyl)sesamols or 2‐(tosylmethyl)naphthols, from which stable o‐QM substrates can be generated, a formal [4+2] cycloaddition delivered 4‐aryl‐ or alkyl‐substituted chromans with excellent enantioselectivity (88–97 % ee).