Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of 2-aryl chromenes and related phosphoramidite ligands and catalyst compounds

A method for asymmetric synthesis of a 2-aryl chromene compound, said method comprising:

• providing a reaction medium comprising an o-arylallyl-substituted phenoxy ester compound of a formula
• wherein X is selected from alkylcarbonyl and arylcarbonyl moieties, LG is a leaving group selected from alkoxycarbonyl groups, R is selected from H, halo, alkyl and alkoxy moieties and Ar is selected from aryl and substituted aryl moieties, said substituents selected from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, nitro and haloalkyl substituents, multiple said substituents and combinations thereof;
• introducing a palladium (II) catalyst precursor compound and a phosphoramidite ligand compound to said reaction medium;
• and
• reacting said phenoxy ester compound with a base component to promote intramolecular cyclization and provide an asymmetric 2-aryl chromene compound of a formula