Rhodium-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations of racemic allenes by the [3+2] annulation of aryl ketimines.

Racemization required: Rhodium(I)-catalyzed C-H activation directed by unprotected ketimines initiates selective [3+2] cycloaddition with allenes, providing access to highly substituted indenylamines. The reaction proceeds through the dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation of racemic allenes. The catalyst controls the enantio- and diastereoselectivity, the regioselectivities of the C-H activation and allene incorporation, as well as the E/Z ratio.