Catalytic, asymmetric trans-selective hetero Diels-Alder reactions using a chiral zirconium complex

reaction: see text] The first catalytic, asymmetric 2,3-trans-selective hetero Diels-Alder reaction has been developed. The reactions of aldehydes with Danishefsky's dienes proceeded smoothly to afford the pyranone derivatives in high yields with high trans-selectivities and enantioselectivities in the presence of a chiral zirconium complex, which was prepared from zirconium tert-butoxide and (R)-3,3'-diiodobinaphthol or its derivatives, primary alcohol, and a small amount of water. This reaction was applied to the concise synthesis of (+)-prelactone C.