Asymmetric synthesis of β′-amino-α,β-enones via addition of α,β-unsaturated ketone-derived enolates to chiral N-phosphonyl imines

Efficient asymmetric Mannich addition reactions between α,β-unsaturated ketone derived enolates and N-phosphonyl imines were reported. These reactions could proceed smoothly for a variety of imine substrates with good (up to 96%) chemical yields and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 98:2 dr). The method reported in this work provides an easy access to chiral β′-amino-α,β-enones.