Low-temperature Rh-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.

Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was achieved at temperatures below 0 °C using a Rh/MeO-F12-BIPHEP catalyst. The reaction of cyclohexenone or N-R-maleimide with arylboronic acids proceeded even at -80 °C in the presence of the Rh catalyst. In the latter case, high enantioselectivity was observed because a low-temperature method was used, regardless of the type of substituent on maleimide.