After identifying the optimal reaction conditions and the suitable substituent on the azlactone, the substrate scope of 2- acylvinylindoles
1 was evaluated. A wide range of
β-(indol-2-yl)-
α,
β-unsaturated ketone
1 bearing electron-deficient groups and electron-rich groups on the benzene ring proceeded smoothly, affording corresponding [3 + 2] cycloadducts
3g–j in good yield with high diastereoselectivities (>95:5 dr) and good enantioselectivities (84%–87%
ee), except the
ortho-substituent on the phenyl ring, which provided diminished stereoselectivity (70:30 dr, 45%
ee). Additionally, 2-naphthyl and 2-thienyl substituted 2- indolylpropenone were also tolerated in this reaction and delivered the corresponding products
3l and
3m with excellent diastereoselectivities (>95:5 dr) and good enantioselectivities (87%
ee). The reaction with alkyl-substituted
β-(indol-2-yl)-
α,
β- unsaturated ketone still proceeded smoothly, however, lower enantioselectivity was observed (77%
ee). Subsequently, the substituent on indole ring was studied. The reaction was dull when the methyl group was introduced on the C3 position of indole.
β-(Indol-2-yl)-
α,
β-unsaturated ketone bearing various substituents on C5 - C6 positions of indole were successfully applied in the reaction, and pyrrolo[1, 2-
a]indoles
3p-3s were generated in high yields (70%-96%) with good enantioselectivities (82%-92%
ee). Notably,
β-(Indol-2-yl)-
α,
β-unsaturated ketone with Br atom at C7 position only provided the Michael adduct under the standard conditions. Inspired by Scheidt's report [
12], cooperative catalyst urea
6 (10 mol%) was added to promote the annulation process, pleasingly, the cycloadduct
3t was gained in 70% yield, albeit with a decreased enantioselectivity (76%
ee). In addition, the relative and absolute configurations of product
3q were unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis (crystallographic data with CCDC No. 1950068 is deposited in Cambridge Centre. Moreover, a gram-scale experiment was conducted, affording product
3s (1.06 g) in 90% yield, 91%
ee, and >95:5 dr.