Palladium-catalyzed 1,4-addition of secondary alkylphenylphosphines to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds for the synthesis of phosphorus- and carbon-stereogenic compounds

Highly stereoselective 1,4-addition of alkylphenylphosphines to 11,1i-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by PCP or NCN pincer Pd complexes is described to synthesize chiral phosphorus compounds bearing both P- and C-stereogenic centers with good to excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99.6% ee).