Bifunctional Organo/Metal Cooperatively Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of para-Quinone Methides with Vinylcyclopropanes: Approach to Spiro[4.5]deca-6,9-diene-8-ones.

A novel [3 + 2] annulation between para-quinone methides and vinylcyclopropanes for the synthesis of spiro[4.5]deca-6,9-diene-8-ones has been described. The palladium and phosphine-thiourea cooperative catalysis system played an important role in high yields and diastereoselectivities. The reaction exhibited good functional group tolerance and scalability.