Catalytic Enantioselective Conia-Ene Reaction

Significance

The authors describe the first asymmetric intramolecular Conia-ene reaction of β-dicarbonyl compounds and alkynes. The use of palladium on the bidentate phosphine gave the best yields and selectivities when combined with ytterbium triflate and AcOH. Only compounds with R¹ = Ar gave good enantioselectivities (>70%) whereas compounds with alkoxy substituents in R² position gave products with higher selectivity compared to those with R² = Alk.