Catalytic platinum-initiated cation-olefin reactions with alkene terminating groups.

A series of phosphine-Pt(2+)-catalysts is reported, which enable the oxidative cascade cyclization of poly-alkene substrates. When the terminus is appropriately arranged and a catalyst reoxidation mediator is included, several polycyclic all carbon skeletons can be obtained. In one example, a chiral P2Pt(+2) catalyst provides up to 79% ee.