Using a tuned yet simple catalyst, the photoexcited ketone-catalyzed C–H imidation and acyloxylation of arenes through an oxidative quenching cycle has been developed.

An asymmetric oxa-Michael/Michael cascade reaction of p-quinols and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes provides access to hindered dialkyl ethers. A highly enantioselective oxa-Michael addition of a tertiary alcohol precedes an intramolecular cyclohexadienone desymmetrization, which allows for the concomitant formation of four contiguous stereocenters in a single step. The highly functionalized bicyclic frameworks are rapidly obtained from simple starting materials with good diastereoselection and serve as valuable precursors for further manipulation.

An unexpected dichotomy was observed in the Ru-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acyl phosphonates: reduction proceeded from the opposite face relative to that observed in the analogous reduction of α-keto esters. The first highly selective catalytic hydrogenation of acyl phosphonates was utilized in the dynamic kinetic resolution of α-aryl acyl phosphonates providing β-stereogenic α-hydroxy phosphonic acid derivatives.

Catalytic direct aldol addition of α-hydroxy trialkyl phosphonacetates to aldehydes affords α-hydroxy-β-phosphonyloxy ester products. The fully substituted glycolate enolate intermediate is generated in situ under mild conditions via [1,2]-phosphonate-phosphate rearrangement. High enantioselectivity and dramatic enhancement of reaction diastereocontrol is realized via the application of chiral iminophosphorane catalysts. The phosphate products undergo stereoselective nucleophilic displacement reactions.