Asymmetric Michael Reaction of α-Cyano Esters Catalyzed by Chiral Rh(I) Complexes with a New Optically Active Biphosphine Ligand

Asymmetric addition of 2-cyanopropionates to methyl vinyl ketone in the presence of 1 mol% of chiral Rh(I) catalysts containing a novel chiral bisphosphine ligand ((R)-7,7'-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2,2'-dimethoxy-1,1'-binaphthyl) gave optically active Michael adducts in good yields with enantiomeric excesses up to 73% ee.