A new kind of organophosphorus compounds as an efficient catalyst for asymmetric C-C bond formation reactions

A new class of chiral pyrrolidine-phosphite organocatalysts, available from commercially starting materials, has been synthesized and shown to be good catalytic activity for asymmetric Michael and Aldol reactions. The reactions proceeded to give the products in good yield and in a highly selective manner. Ionic liquid [Bmim][BF4] as an efficient green solvent has been employed in the Michael addition. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.