A highly enantioselective [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of aurone-derived 1-azadienes with 3-vinylindoles has been developed. In the presence of chiral phosphoric acids, a wide range of benzofuran-fused tetrahydropyridines with three contiguous stereogenic centers were obtained in good yields, and with excellent diastereo- and enantio-selectivities.
![Graphical abstract: Facile access to benzofuran-fused tetrahydropyridines via catalytic asymmetric [4 + 2] cycloaddition of aurone-derived 1-azadienes with 3-vinylindoles](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/D0QO01236J.jpg)