Asymmetric cyclization reactions of allenoates with imines or α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by organocatalysts derived from cinchona alkaloids.

Lewis base-catalyzed cyclization reactions of allenoates with electron-deficient olefins and imines have been demonstrated by the preparation of biologically active natural products and pharmaceutically interesting substances and have emerged as powerful synthetic tools in the rapid construction of cyclic molecular complexity. In contrast to phosphine-containing Lewis bases, nitrogen-containing Lewis base amines display markedly different reaction profiles; however, this area is not well-developed. Herein we summarize the recent progress in this emerging field and outline the challenges ahead. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.