Organocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of β-Aryl-β-isocyano Esters

The asymmetric addition of malonates to in situ generated N-formylimines of aromatic aldehydes was achieved under phase-transfer catalysis using Cinchona alkaloids-derived quaternary ammonium salts. The resulting beta-formamidomalonates have been efficiently converted into beta-aryl-beta-isocyano esters. Their utility in the multicomponent Ugi reaction with chiral cyclic imines has been demonstrated.