Enantioselective Intramolecular CH-Insertions upon Cu-Catalyzed Decomposition of Phenyliodonium Ylides

The Cu-catalyzed intramolecular CH insertion of phenyliodonium ylide 5b has been investigated at 0° C in the presence of several chiral ligands. Enantioselectivities vary in the range of 38–72 %, and are higher than those resulting from reaction of the diazo compound 5c at 65° C. The results are consistent with a carbenoid mechanism for Cu-catalyzed decomposition of phenyliodonium ylides.