Rhodium/Ming-Phos-catalyzed asymmetric annulation reaction of silacyclobutanes with terminal alkynes

Asymmetric ring-expansion reactions of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) with alkynes have evolved as one of the powerful protocols for the construction of silicon-stereogenic compounds. However, the achievement of highly enantioselective annulation of SCBs with terminal alkynes remains a challenge. Herein, we report a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric annulation reaction of SCBs with terminal alkynes, which relies on the newly identified chiral sulfinamide phosphine ligand Ming-Phos. This catalytic system exhibits unique effects under mild conditions, leading to the direct synthesis of structurally diverse chiral silacycles in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).