An asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation reaction of 4-isothiocyanato pyrazolones with alkynyl ketones in the presence of an organic catalyst derived from a cinchona alkaloid under mild conditions is realized. This protocol provides unprecedented expeditious access to a wide range of optically active spiro[pyrroline–pyrazolones] with various electronic properties in high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities.
![Graphical abstract: Enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of 4-isothiocyanato pyrazolones and alkynyl ketones under organocatalysis](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D0OB02423F.jpg)