Enantioselective desymmetrization of prochiral allenic diols via cooperative catalysis of Pd(OAc)2 and a chiral phosphoric acid

The first non-enzymatic desymmetrization of prochiral allenic diols via cooperative binary catalysis of Pd(OAc)2 and (R)-STRIP has been reported. This method allows easy access to a series of optically active disubstituted dihydrofurans through palladium mediated 5-endo-trig cyclizations of allenic alcohol with high yields and good to excellent enantioselectivity. A broad substrate scope has been demonstrated.