Asymmetric synthesis of enantioenriched α-allyl esters through Pd(BINAPHANE)-catalysed allylation of disubstituted ketenes

Abstract

Pd₂dba₃·CHCl₃ (2.5 mol%)-BINAPHANE (5 mol%) was used to promote the first catalytic enantioselective allylation of disubstituted ketenes to give α-allyl esters. The ester products were formed in good to excellent yields (61–93% yield for 13 examples, 16 examples in all), with moderate to good enantioselectivity (68–80% ee for 7 examples).