Enantioselective additions of copper acetylides to cyclic iminium and oxocarbenium ions

The development of enantioselective, copper-catalyzed alkynylations of cyclic iminium and oxocarbenium ions is reviewed. The use of chiral copper-based catalysts has enabled high yields and enantioselectivites in the formation of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocycles with alpha-stereogenic centers. This review highlights both the accomplishments and the future work needed in this important area.