Abstract The asymmetric addition of malonates to in situ generated N-formylimines of aromatic aldehydes was achieved under phase-transfer catalysis using Cinchona alkaloids- derived quaternary ammonium salts. The resulting β-formamidomalonates have been efficiently converted into β-aryl-β-isocyano esters. Their utility in the multicomponent Ugi reaction with chiral cyclic imines has been demonstrated.