Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Allylic Alkylations of Allenes

Significance

This report describes a highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic asymmetric allylic alkylation of racemic allenes with amines and malonates. Both reactions give moderate to high yields and high enantioselectivities. The choice of base for the amination reaction proved to be very important. Cs₂CO₃ gave (S)-allenes whereas the use of an excess of amine gave (R)-allenes (with much lower ee’s though).