Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrocyanation of Allenes

Abstract

The first catalytic enantioselective hydrocyanation of allenes catalyzed by a (<i>R</i>,<i>R</i>)-Ph-BPE-Ni(0) complex catalyst has been accomplished. Numerous optically active allylic nitriles were obtained in good yield with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% <i>ee</i>).