Enantioselective Hydroarylation-Cycloisomerization of 1,6-Enynes

Significance

This catalytic reaction is a good ­example of the atom-economy principle: two C-C bonds are created with good enantio- and excellent diastereoselectivity. Several protocols have been reported for the cycloisomerization of enynes, most employing Au(I) or Pt(II) catalysts, but highly enantioselective processes have remained elusive. The authors opted to tackle this challenge with a Pt(II) catalyst for its ability to accept four ligands, whereas Au(I) is limited to two.