Asymmetric Bio‐ and Organocatalytic Cascade Reaction – Laccase and Secondary Amine‐Catalyzed α‐Arylation of Aldehydes

Abstract An asymmetric bio‐ and organocatalytic cascade one‐pot reaction for the α‐arylation of aldehydes is presented. 1,4‐Dihydroxybenzene and its derivatives are oxidized to quinones by laccase and aerial oxygen. This catalytic process has been efficiently coupled to asymmetric enamine organocatalysis, affording 3‐substituted 2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐2,5‐diols in moderate to good yield and moderate to excellent enantioselectivity. magnified image