Nickel-catalysed enantioselective reaction of secondary phosphine oxides and activated vinylcyclopropanes.

Activated vinylcyclopropanes can form zwitterionic π-allylmetal species in the presence of transition metals and are widely used in organic synthesis. A nickel-catalyzed asymmetric allylation of secondary phosphine oxides with vinylcyclopropanes was described. Tertiary phosphine oxide products could be obtained with up to 91% yield and 92% ee.