Catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition en route to paxilline indoloterpenoids

Development of enantioselective synthesis of precursor en route to paxilline indoloterpenoids is described. Evaluation of 25 diphosphine-based ligands has led to identification of JosiPhos derivative that allows for asymmetric conjugate addition of homoprenyl Grignard reagent to 2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one in excellent yield and with appreciable levels of enantioinduction. Application to the conjugate addition of other Grignard reagents is demonstrated.