An efficient N-heterocyclic
carbene (NHC)-catalyzed
asymmetric [3 + 4] annulation reaction of N-Ts hydrazones
with 2-bromoenals has been developed. A series of functionalized tetrahydro-1H-1,2-diazepines with two consecutive stereocenters was
obtained using NHCs as the catalyst in good yields with excellent
diastereo- and enantioselectivities.