Ferrocenylphosphines as new catalysts for Baylis-Hillman reactions

reaction: see text] Readily available ferrocenyldialkylphosphines are effective air-stable catalysts for Baylis-Hillman reaction between aldehydes and acrylates, affording the corresponding adducts in high yields and short reaction times. A set of readily accessible planar chiral ferrocenyldialkylphosphines have been tested in asymmetric Baylis-Hillman reactions. The best enantioselectivities were obtained using Mandyphos as chiral catalyst (up to 65% ee).