A modular approach to ligands for asymmetric π-allyl palladium catalysed additions

Abstract

A route to phosphinodihydrooxazoles is reported, which is used to synthesize ten new ligands whose ability to asymmetrically catalyse the addition of dimethyl malonate to 1,3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate is investigated; the best gave a palladium complex which catalyses the addition of dimethyl malonate to 1,3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate in 99% yield and 97% ee.