Aminocatalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction of phosphorus dienophiles and 2,4-dienals

Chiral compounds bearing a phosphorus functional group are valuable because of their wide application in biological studies and asymmetric catalysis. Here we present an asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition between phosphor-containing dienophiles and 2,4-dienals under the catalysis of chiral amine 1 via the intermediacy of trienamine species (trienamine catalysis). A spectrum of densely functionalized phosphonocyclohexene derivatives was efficiently constructed in excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) and with good to high diastereoselectivity (up to >19:1).