Desymmetrization of meso [3.2.1]oxabicyclic systems using metal-catalysed asymmetric intramolecular C-H insertion

Diazoketone derivatives of meso 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octen-3-ones were desymmetrized by an intramolecular C-H insertion mediated by chiral copper and dirhodium catalysts to generate oxatricyclic systems with up to 5 contiguous stereogenic centres and 50% ee.