The nucleophilic addition (A(N)) / intramolecular aza-Michael reaction (IMAMR) process on Ellman's tert-butylsulfinyl imines, bearing a Michael acceptor in the ortho position, is studied. This reaction affords 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines with a wide range of substituents in good yields and diastereoselectivities. Interestingly, careful choice of the base for the aza-Michael step allows either the cis or the trans diastereoisomers to be exclusively obtained. This stereodivergent cyclization has enabled the synthesis of C2-symmetric bisacetate-substituted isoindolines. In addition, bisacetate isoindolines bearing two well-differentiated ester moieties are also noteworthy because they may allow for the orthogonal synthesis of β,β'-dipeptides using a single nitrogen atom as a linchpin.

Six-and seven-membered benzo-fused cyclic homoallylic alcohols can be readily synthesized by a tandem chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed allyl (crotyl)boration/ring closing metathesis sequence performed under orthogonal relay catalysis conditions. Excellent enantio-and diastereoselectivities are obtained in most of the cases. In addition, the parent crotylboration/RCM process is also described. The required substrates, ortho-vinylbenzaldehydes, are readily available in one step from commercially available starting materials. Both catalysts and reactants are also available from commercial suppliers. The reaction shows broad functional group compatibility and is also suitable for heteroaromatic substrates. Substitution at any position of the aromatic ring is tolerated; however, substitution at position 6 results in a substantial drop in enantioselectivity.

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Aromatic tert-butylsulfinyl ketimines bearing a suitable Michael acceptor at the ortho position readily undergo an intramolecular conjugate addition achieving indanone derivatives in good yields and complete diastereoselectivity.