The intramolecular tandem Michael/Mannich-type reaction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with acyliminium ions provides access to chiral indolizidines

The intramolecular tandem Michael/Mannich-type (Michael addition/halo-Mannich-type) reaction using TiCl₄/n-Bu₄NI system between the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds possessing an Evans oxazolidinone as a chiral auxiliary and N-acyliminium ion intermediates is described. The reaction was promoted in a mixed solvent of AcOEt–CH₂Cl₂ to afford indolizidine compounds with three stereogenic centers.