Enantioselective Isocyanide-based Multicomponent Reaction with Alkylidene Malonates and Phenols.

A highly enantioselective isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction catalyzed by a chiral N,N'-dioxide/MgII complex was reported. A wide range of substrates were tolerated in this reaction, including alkyl- and aryl-substituted isocyanides with alkylidene malonates and various phenols, affording the corresponding phenoxyimidate products in good to excellent yields (up to 94% yield) with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95.5:4.5 er). A catalytic cycle and transition state were proposed to rationalize the reaction process and enantiocontrol.