Chromium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Dearomatization Addition Reactions of Halomethyl Heteroarenes

The first asymmetric dearomatization addition reaction of halomethyl arenes including benzofuran and benzothiophene was enabled by chromium catalysis. A variety of aldehydes served as suitable electrophiles under mild reaction conditions. Molecular complexities are quickly increased in a highly diastereo- and enantioselective manner