A highly regio- and stereo-selective [3+2] annulation of allylic compounds and 2-substituted 1,1-dicyanoalkenes through a catalytic carbon-phosphorus ylide reaction

A highly regio-and stereo-selective phosphine-catalyzed [3+ 2] annulation reaction between allylic compounds and 2-substituted 1,1-dicyanoalkenes through a catalytic phosphorus ylide reaction was developed. This reaction has the total reversed regioselectivity compared to that of the reactions of activated alkenes without the 2-substituents or reactions using the allenoates as the C3 component. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.