Synthesis of substituted p-stereogenic vinylphosphine oxides by olefin cross-metathesis.

[reaction: see text] Substituted vinylphosphine oxides have been prepared in good yield and exclusive (E)-olefin selectivity via olefin cross-metathesis using Grubbs and Hoveyda-type ruthenium catalysts. In addition, metathesis of chiral vinylphosphine oxides proceeds without racemization of the phosphorus chirality center, providing easy access to functionalized chiral nonracemic (E)-alkenylphosphine oxides.