Asymmetric chroman synthesis via an intramolecular oxy-Michael addition by bifunctional organocatalysts.

Cinchona-alkaloid-urea-based bifunctional organocatalysts facilitate the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chroman derivatives via an intramolecular oxy-Michael addition reaction. Phenol derivatives bearing an easily available (E)-α,β-unsaturated ketone or a thioester moiety are useful substrates for the title transformation. This method represents a facile synthesis of various optically active 2-substituted chromans in high yield.