Catalytic Enantioselective Henry Reactions of Isatins: Application in the Concise Synthesis of (S)‐(−)‐Spirobrassinin

When isatin a cat! A highly efficient, cupreine-catalyzed, enantioselective Henry reaction of readily available isatins and nitroalkanes has been developed (see scheme). The products are produced in excellent yields and good enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions and without chromatography. The utility of the strategy has been demonstrated in the facile synthesis of (S)-(−)-spirobrassinin without the need for protecting groups.