NHC–copper-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of diarylphosphines to α,β-unsaturated ketones

N-Heterocyclic carbene–copper-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of diarylphosphines to α,β-unsaturated ketones was developed for the synthesis of chiral phosphorus derivatives in high yields with moderate enantioselectivity under mild conditions.