The first example of a catalytic asymmetric formal [4+1] annulation reaction between sulfur ylides and in situ generated ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) is reported in this work. A C2-symmetric chiral urea was identified to be the best H-bonding catalyst, affording a wide range of chiral 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans in high yields and moderate enantioselectivities [70–98 % yields, up to 89:11 e.r. (enantiomeric ratio)]. ©...
