N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4+2] annulation of β-methyl enals and cyclic trifluoromethyl ketimines for the asymmetric synthesis of dihydroquinazolinone derivatives.

The enantioselective oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4+2] annulation reaction of β-methyl enals and cyclic trifluoromethyl ketimines has been developed. A series of biologically interesting dihydroquinazolinone derivatives bearing a trifluoromethyl group and a tetrasubstituted stereocenter are efficiently prepared with very good yields and excellent stereoselectivities.