Au(I)-catalyzed enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of Munchnones with electron-deficient Alkenes

The first catalytic enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of munchnone dipoles with electron -deficent alkenes is described. The reaction is catalyzed by chiral bis(phosphine)gold(I) benzoate complexes and provides Delta(1)-pyrrolines with excellent regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity. The reaction is proposed to proceed through a 1,3-dipole generated by deprotonation of a gold(I)activated azlactone.