A Fast Catalytic Asymmetric Aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction of <i>N</i>‐Sulfonated Imines with Methyl Vinyl Ketone in the Presence of Chiral Bifunctional Phosphane Lewis Bases

Abstract

Abstract A series of novel bifunctional chiral phosphane Lewis bases having one phenyl group and an electron‐donating alkyl group on the phosphorus atom was designed and successfully synthesized. The use of these bifunctional chiral phosphane Lewis bases in catalytic asymmetric aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions (aza‐MBH reactions) of N ‐sulfonated imines with methyl vinyl ketone affords the corresponding adducts in good‐to‐excellent yields and moderate‐to‐good enantioselectivities within a few hours at room temperature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest catalytic asymmetric MBH reaction reported thus far.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)