The bifunctional phosphine catalyst 2′-(diphenylphosphino)biphenyl-2-ol was used in an effective synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexanols through a cascade Michael–Henry reaction of a β-nitroolefin and a 2-(1-substituted 3-oxo-3-phenylpropyl)malononitrile. The method has the advantages of requiring mild conditions and providing a convenient workup, high diastereoselectivity, good atom economy, and a wide substrate scope, rendering it useful for the synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexanols.
Key words
alcohols - carbocycles - catalysis - cascade reactions