Phosphine-catalyzed [3+3] annulation reaction of modified tert-butyl allylic carbonates and substituted alkylidenemalononitriles

A phosphine-catalyzed [3+3] annulation reaction of modified tert-butyl allylic carbonates with various alkylidenemalononitriles to form cyclohexenes was developed. The use of protic solvent is crucial in this reaction. When non-polar solvent, toluene or xylene, was used, only non-cyclized product was obtained.