Enantioselective Michael Addition of Malonates to Chalcone Derivatives Catalyzed by Dipeptide-derived Multifunctional Phosphonium Salts.

Highly enantioselective Michael addition of malonates to enones catalyzed by dipeptide-derived multifunctional phosphonium salts has been developed. The newly established catalytic system was characterized with its wide substrate scope featured with aliphatic aldehyde-derived enones and substituted malonates. The gram scale-up synthesis of adducts can also be successfully achieved under optimal conditions with both excellent yield and enantioselectivity.