Enantioselective [4 + 2]-Annulation of Oxadienes and Allenones Catalyzed by an Amino Acid Derived Phosphine: Synthesis of Functionalized Dihydropyrans.

An enantioselective [4 + 2]-annulation process between cyano-activated oxadienes and allenones is developed. An l-valine-derived phosphine was efficient in catalyzing the reaction, and a wide range of highly functionalized dihydropyrans were prepared in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities.