Au(I)-catalyzed annulation of enantioenriched allenes in the enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-rhazinilam.

Highly stereoselective Au(I)-catalyzed pyrrole additions to enantioenriched allenes afford a unique entry to optically active heterocycles. Asymmetric quaternary carbons can be installed with concurrent heterocycle annulation utilizing this methodology. The enantioenriched allenes are conveniently obtained by catalytic asymmetric acyl halide-aldehyde cyclocondensations and SN2' ring opening of the resulting enantioenriched beta-lactones. An enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-rhazinilam highlights the potential utility of this reaction technology in target-oriented synthesis.