An asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction catalyzed by chiral phosphate magnesium complexes: highly enantioselective synthesis of chiral spirooxindoles.

Mild Magic: A mild, enantioselective Diels-Alder reaction, catalyzed by a chiral magnesium phosphate species, has been developed for the synthesis of various chiral spirooxindoles. Molecular sieves were found to have a considerable effect when used as additives in this reaction.