Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Diels–Alder Cycloaddition between 2‐Pyrones and Acyclic Enol Ethers

A broadly applicable diastereo‐ and enantioselective inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder reaction of 2‐pyrones and acyclic enol ethers is reported herein. Using a copper(II)‐BOX catalytic system, bridged bicyclic lactones are obtained in very high yields (up to 99 % yield) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) from diversely substituted 2‐pyrones and acyclic enol ethers. Mechanistic experiments as well as DFT calculations indicate the occurrence of a stepwise mechanism. The synthetic potential of the bridged bicyclic lactones is showcased by the enantioselective synthesis of polyfunctional cyclohexenes and cyclohexadienes, as well as a carbasugar unit.