Asymmetric Synthesis of Bicyclic Pyrazolidinones through Alkaloid‐Catalyzed [3+2]‐Cycloadditions of Ketenes and Azomethine Imines

A versatile asymmetric synthesis of bicyclic pyrazolidinones through alkaloid‐catalyzed formal [3+2]‐ and [3+2+2]‐cycloadditions of ketenes with azomethine imines is described. The methodology was found to be tolerant of ketene and a variety of monosubstituted ketenes (R=alkyl, OAc). The products were formed in good to excellent yields (71–99 % for 24 examples, 39 examples in all), with good to excellent diastereoselectivity in many cases (dr 3 : 1 to 27 : 1 for 22 examples), and with excellent enantioselectivity for most examples (≥93 % ee for 34 products). In the case of most disubstituted ketenes, the reaction proceeded through a [3+2+2]‐cycloaddition to form structurally interesting bicyclic pyrazolo‐oxadiazepinediones with moderate diastereoselectivity (dr up to 3.7 : 1) and as racemic mixtures (3 examples). The method represents the first unambiguous example of an enantioselective reaction between ketenes and a 1,3‐dipole.