Catalytic asymmetric Stetter reaction onto vinylphosphine oxides and vinylphosphonates

An intramolecular Stetter reaction of vinylphosphine oxides and vinylphosphonates has been developed. Treatment of an aldehyde with a nucleophilic N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst allows for addition of an acyl anion equivalent into a vinylphosphine oxide or vinyl phosphonate Michael acceptor in yields up to 99% and ee values up to 96%.