Ferrocenylphosphines as New Catalysts for Baylis−Hillman Reactions

Readily available ferrocenyldialkylphosphines are effective air-stable catalysts for Baylis−Hillman reaction between aldehydes and acrylates, affording the corresponding adducts in high yields and short reaction times. A set of readily accessible planar chiral ferrocenyldialkylphosphines have been tested in asymmetric Baylis−Hillman reactions. The best enantioselectivities were obtained using Mandyphos as chiral catalyst (up to 65% ee).