Copper-catalyzed desymmetrization of oxabenzonorbornadienes with aluminum reagents

The desymmetrization of oxabenzonorbornadienes with aluminum reagents and SimplePhos as chiral ligand is described. The corresponding homoallylic alcohols are obtained in high yield, diastereoselectivity, and enantiomeric excess. Furthermore the first anti enantioselective desymmetrization with aromatic nucleophiles is reported.