Organocatalytic kinetic resolution via intramolecular aldol reactions: enantioselective synthesis of both enantiomers of chiral cyclohexenones.

Kinetic resolution of 6-aryl-2,6-hexanediones was achieved with chiral secondary amine catalyzed intramolecular aldolization. The current kinetic resolution protocol enables the synthesis of both enantiomers of cyclohexenones with moderate to good enantioselectivity.