Metal-Free Enantioselective 1,4-Addition of Diarylphosphine Oxides to α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Esters

The catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of phosphorus nucleophiles to unsaturated compounds, catalyzed by metallic or nonmetallic catalysts, has been extensively developed. However, the enantioselective transformations involving α,β-unsaturated carboxylic esters for constructing chiral c-p bonds have been rarely reported, particularly in metal-free processes. In this study, we present a novel metal-free methodology for enantioselective 1,4-addition of diarylphosphine oxides to α,β-unsaturated carboxylic esters using classical chiral oxazaborolidine catalysts. Remarkably high yields and enantioselectivities were obtained for most of the products. Furthermore, these valuable chiral phosphorus esters serve as crucial intermediates that can be transformed into various derivatives including amides, acids, and alcohols in a single step.