Asymmetric addition of alpha-branched cyclic ketones to allenamides catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid

We describe the asymmetric addition of unactivated alpha-branched cyclic ketones to allenamides catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid, generating an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with broad substrate scope and high enantioselectivity. The products are easily transformed into their corresponding 1,5- and 1,4-ketoaldehyde derivatives, which are both important building blocks in organic synthesis.