Enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of allenes to acrylates catalyzed by dipeptide-derived phosphines: facile creation of functionalized cyclopentenes containing quaternary stereogenic centers.

A new family of dipeptide-based chiral phosphines was designed and prepared. D-Thr-L-tert-Leu-derived catalyst 4c promoted [3 + 2] cycloaddition of allenoates to α-substituted acrylates in a regiospecific and stereoselective manner, furnishing functionalized cyclopentenes with quaternary stereogenic centers in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities.