N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Internal Redox Reaction of Alkynals: An Efficient Synthesis of Allenoates

An efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed internal redox reaction of alkynals that bear a y leaving group has been developed. This process provides a new access to a range of allenoates in good yields. Preliminary results demonstrate that the enantioselective variant can also be achieved.