A catalytic asymmetric carbonyl–ene reaction of β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters with 5-methyleneoxazolines.

A catalytic asymmetric carbonyl–ene reaction of β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters with 5-methyleneoxazolines was accomplished. The process was based on the utilization of a chiral N,N′-dioxide/MgII catalyst, providing the desired products with excellent outcomes (up to 99% yield, ＞99% ee) under mild reaction conditions. Based on the experimental investigations and previous reports, a possible transition state was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]