Kinetic resolution of 1-(1-alkynyl)cyclopropyl ketones by gold(I)-catalyzed asymmetric [4+3]cycloaddition with nitrones: scope, mechanism and applications.

Highly useful optically active 1-(1-alkynyl)cyclopropyl ketones can be efficiently obtained by the kinetic resolution of the easily available racemic ones under the catalysis of the chiral gold(I) species. Reaction scope and synthetic applications are also investigated.