Recent advances in asymmetric phosphine oxide catalysis

Phosphine oxides are versatile catalysts in organic synthesis and mediate a broad range of transformations. In this digest, we review the recent developments in phosphine oxide-catalyzed asymmetric reactions. The enantioselective double aldol reactions, enantioselective aldol reaction of carboxylic acids, and enantioselective halocyclizations are discussed. These novel phosphine oxide-catalyzed processes are vital for the stereoselective synthesis and functionalization of useful organic molecules and intermediates. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.