The first catalytic asymmetric alkenylation of isatin imines is described. The reaction, which is promoted by a chiral bis­(oxazoline)–copper complex, gives structurally diverse 3-alkenyl-3-aminooxindole derivatives in excellent yields, and with excellent diastereoselectivities and high-to-excellent enantioselectivities. The products can be readily converted to polycyclic indole derivatives without loss of enantioselectivity. A plausible chirality-induced mechanism is proposed to explain the observed stereoselective control.

The catalytic direct dehydrative coupling of an alkene with an alcohol is one of the most straightforward and green strategies for the formation of Csp2−Csp2 bonds. However, previously reported studies have only dealt with achiral reactions. Here, we describe chiral Brønsted acid‐catalyzed direct catalytic asymmetric dehydrative coupling reactions of 3‐vinylindoles and 3‐indolylmethanols. Various structurally diverse indole compounds were prepared in good to excellent yields, with good to excellent stereoselectivities.magnified image