“…The cyclization of IN2 by nucleophilic addition allows the approach of the oxonium [−CH(OMe) + ] from two directions, i.e., through two different transition states, TS A and TS B , which finally lead to enantiomers of products, ( S )- 2a and ( R )- 2a , respectively. According to the previous mechanistic study, in the structure of transition states ( TS A and TS B ), the gold(III) center (−[Au]) and the oxonium [−CH(OMe) + ] have a cis relationship on the pseudo-five-membered ring (Scheme c). Considering the rotation around the Au–vinyl bond, we propose a steric arrangement in which the benzene ring of the substrate is away from the bulky substituent on the chiral oxazoline to minimize the steric hindrance (Scheme d).…”