Organocatalytic decarboxylative aldol reaction of β-ketoacids with α-ketophosphonates en route to the enantioselective synthesis of tertiary α-hydroxyphosphonates.

The first example of an asymmetric organocatalyzed decarboxylative aldol reaction of β-ketoacids (aroylacetic acids) with α-ketophosphonates that produces a quaternary chiral centre has been developed. A quinidine based bifunctional urea derivative was identified as the preferred catalyst affording γ-aroyl tertiary α-hydroxyphosphonates in good yield and enantioselectivity. The31 P NMR spectroscopic study was performed to shed light on the reaction mechanism.