Phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation between α,β-unsaturated imines and allylic carbonates: synthesis of 2-pyrrolines.

In this report, a phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation between α,β-unsaturated imines and allylic carbonates is described. This reaction represents the first realization of catalytic [4 + 1] cyclization of 1,3-azadienes with in situ formed phosphorus ylides, which provides highly efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of 2-pyrrolines.