In the field of organic chemistry, the development of new catalytic methods for the synthesis of complex molecules from simple precursors is a top priority. The main focus of this thesis concerns the diastereoselective synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using main group elements as Lewis acid catalysts.

The first part of this thesis deals with an annulation reaction of nitrones with oxiranes, aziridines, and thiiranes using Al(III) or In(III) catalysts. From this protocol, 1,4,2-dioxazinanes, 1,2,4-oxadiazinanes, and 1,4,2-oxathiazinanes were obtained in moderate to high yields with excellent diastereoselectivity. The transformation was found to be stereospecific and proceed via an S_N2-mechanism.

The second and third parts concern the development of In(III)-catalyzed annulation of carbonyl compounds, amines, and alkynyl enones. InBr₃ was found to be an efficient catalyst for the activation of alkynyl enones in a multicomponent reaction with aldehydes and amines. The method affords cyclopenta[c]furans in high yields and in good to excellent diastereomeric ratios. Bicyclo[3.n.1]alkenone derivatives were formed via a double Michael addition reaction of cyclic ketones, amines, and alkynyl enones, in the presence of InCl₃. The utility of these protocols was also demonstrated by sequential transformations.

In the fourth part, AgOTf and CuI were found to be efficient catalysts for the activation of pyridine-substituted enynes towards enamines, providing indolizine derivatives in high yield and good diastereomeric ratios.

In the last part of the thesis, 1,2-aminoarylation of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters with arylboronic acids using Ni catalysis is discussed. The protocol demonstrates the potential of Ni-catalysts for the generation of iminyl radicals to furnish functionalized pyrroline derivatives. The utility of this protocol was exemplified by transforming the pyrroline products to the corresponding pyrrole and pyrrolidine derivatives.