Pd-Catalyzed annulation of benzene-1,2-diol and propargylic carbonates: a new example of asymmetric catalysis

The palladium-catalyzed cyclization of benzene-1,2-diol with various secondary propargylic carbonates in the presence of (R)-Binap as the chiral ligand afforded the corresponding 2,3-dihydrobenzo-1,4-dioxin derivatives in quite good yields, and also in enantioselectivities of up to 93%. The assumed enantioselective step is the protonation of a palladium–carbene intermediate.