Chiral benzyl centers through asymmetric catalysis.: A three-step synthesis of (R)-(-)-α-curcumene via asymmetric hydrovinylation

A three-step, two-pot procedure involving asymmetric hydrovinylation followed by Suzuki-Miyaura reaction represents by far the shortest synthesis of this popular bisabolane. Other applications for the synthesis of similar compounds with chiral benzyl centers can be easily envisioned.