Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-ones via Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Addition-Cyclization of Acetylacetone to Cinnamic Thioesters

Herein, we present the first example of synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones from cinnamic thioesters via a stereoselective phase-transfer-catalyzed domino Michael-cyclization reaction with acetylacetone. The reaction proceeded under the catalysis of Cinchona-derived quaternary ammonium phenoxide that, in combination with inorganic bases, provided 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones in yields of up to 93% and enantioselectivities of up to 88% enantiomeric excess.