The enantioselective intramolecular Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction catalyzed by amino acid-derived phosphinothiourea

A series of chiral bifunctional phosphinothioureas derived from l-amino acids have been developed to promote the enantioselective intramolecular Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction. The process afforded the cyclic hydroxyl enones with up to 84% ee and good yields under mild conditions.