Enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-alpha-kainic acid.

An enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-alpha-kainic acid is described. Key steps are an Ir-catalyzed allylic amination with a propargylic amine to provide an enyne and a diastereoselective intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction. Subsequent steps involve a Baeyer-Villiger reaction, reduction of the resulting lactone, and direct Jones oxidation of a silyl ether.