Enantioselective synthesis of cyclopentenones via rhodium-catalyzed kinetic resolution and desymmetrization of 4-alkynals.

We have developed two new catalytic processes that provide efficient access to interesting chiral building blocks, cyclopentenones that bear tertiary and quaternary stereocenters, in high enantiomeric excess and very good yield. Structures such as these have potential utility in the synthesis of prostaglandins, pentenomycins, and related compounds.