A new Au(I)-catalyzed method for the preparation of trisubstituted indolizines from easily accessible 2-propargyloxy-pyridines is reported. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functionality, allowing for diversity to be introduced in four distinct regions of the product (R, R 1 , R 2 , and Ar). The proposed mechanism proceeds via enol addition to an allenamide intermediate and explains the observed increase in yields when electron poor methyl ketones are utilized.

A practical method for the efficient and enantioselective preparation of versatile ketones and aldehydes that contain an α-quaternary stereocenter is described. Reactions utilize simple carboxylic acid or ester starting materials, a monodentate chiral phosphine, and afford a variety of aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and alkylsubstituted ketone and aldehyde products in 25-94 % yield and 90 : 10 to > 99 : 1 enantiomeric ratio. Reactions proceed by acyl substitution with in situ formed chiral allylic nucleophiles, and display selectivity and conversion dependence on a protic additive. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through several product transformations.

A practical method for the efficient and enantioselective preparation of versatile ketones and aldehydes that contain an α-quaternary stereocenter is described. Reactions utilize simple carboxylic acid or ester starting materials, a monodentate chiral phosphine, and afford a variety of aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and alkylsubstituted ketone and aldehyde products in 25-94 % yield and 90 : 10 to > 99 : 1 enantiomeric ratio. Reactions proceed by acyl substitution with in situ formed chiral allylic nucleophiles, and display selectivity and conversion dependence on a protic additive. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through several product transformations.