[figure: see text] A short and efficient asymmetric total synthesis of the title compound 1, which is an important neurotransmitter, has been achieved. The synthesis features a metal-promoted, enantioselective ene reaction that provides entry into the kainic acid ring system from very simple precursors. Moreover, the zirconium-mediated Strecker reaction, which represents an outgrowth of earlier amide-to-imine methodology developed in our laboratory, demonstrates remarkable chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity.

[reaction: see text]. The effect of replacing the Brønsted acid in classic Passerini reactions with a mild Lewis acid has been studied. Triggered by metal-promoted silylation, condensations of aliphatic or aromatic carbonyl compounds with appropriately substituted isonitriles capable of neighboring group donation afford alpha-hydroxyamides, substituted oxazoles, and other useful heterocycles.

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