title: Asymmetric catalysis on the nanoscale: the organocatalytic approach to helicenes.
abstract: The first asymmetric organocatalytic synthesis of helicenes is reported. A novel SPINOL-derived phosphoric acid, bearing extended π-substituents, catalyzes the asymmetric synthesis of helicenes through an enantioselective Fischer indole reaction. A variety of azahelicenes and diazahelicenes could be obtained with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany).
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kötzner
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Webber
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Fusco
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: List
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry*; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds; C031660:helicenes
keywords: Brønsted acid catalysis; Fischer indole synthesis; helicenes; organocatalysis