Application of the chiral bis(phosphine) monoxide ligand to catalytic enantioselective addition of dialkylzinc reagents to β-nitroalkenes

Me-DuPHOS monoxide is shown to be a very effective ligand in the enantioselective copper-catalyzed addition of dialkylzinc reagents to beta-nitroalkenes providing access to chiral nitroalkanes. The major advantages of this process are high yields, broad and complementary substrate scope, and high enantioselectivities. The effect of achiral dummy ligands as an additive has also been documented.