Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of C (1)‐ and C (2)‐Symmetric Spirobiindanones through Counterion‐Directed Enolate C‐Acylation

A catalytic enantioselective route to C(1)‐ and C(2)‐symmetric 2,2′‐spirobiindanones has been realized through an intramolecular enolate C‐acylation. This reaction employs a chiral ammonium counterion to direct the acylation of an in situ generated ketone enolate with a pentafluorophenyl ester. This reaction constitutes the first example of a direct catalytic enantioselective C‐acylation of a ketone and provides an efficient and highly enantioselective route to axially chiral spirobiindanediones. These products can be diastereoselectively derivatized, offering access to a range of functionalized spirocyclic architectures.