“…Our previously developed chiral π–Cu( ii ) complexes have demonstrated exceptionally strong capabilities as Lewis-acidic catalysts in several highly useful asymmetric transformations. 7 We envisioned that such a highly effective catalyst system could potentially accomplish several highly important functions: (1) promote exo / endo -selective and enantioselective (3 + 2) cycloadditions between isoquinolinium ylides ( 1 ) and α-substituted, α,β-disubstituted, or β,β-disubstituted α,β-enamides ( 2 ) to conveniently provide pyrroloisoquinoline derivatives ( 3 ); (2) promote challenging highly α,β/γ,δ-site-selective, exo / endo -selective, and enantioselective (3 + 2) cycloadditions between 1 and α,β–γ,δ-dienamides ( 4 ); and (3) promote challenging highly ε,ζ-site-selective, endo -selective, and enantioselective (3 + 2) cycloadditions between 1 and α,β-γ,δ–ε,ζ-trienamide 9a (Scheme 2). If successful, the remarkable versatility of this catalytic system would significantly broaden its practical utility.…”