An enantioselective [4 + 2] cyclization reaction of dioxopyrrolidines and azlactones has been successfully developed through a squaramide catalysis strategy. This protocol provides an efficient and mild access to obtain pyrano[2,3-c]pyrrole scaffolds containing contiguous quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers in excellent yields (up to 99%) with high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). Two possible pathways were proposed to explain the observed stereoselectivity.
![Graphical abstract: Enantioselective synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrrole via an organocatalytic [4 + 2] cyclization reaction of dioxopyrrolidines and azlactones](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/C9OB00419J.jpg)