Combining NHC–Cu and Brønsted Base Catalysis: Enantioselective Allylic Substitution/Conjugate Additions with Alkynylaluminum Reagents and Stereospecific Isomerization of the Products to Trisubstituted Allenes

All-catalytic route to trisubstituted allenes: The first examples of catalytic enantioselective allylic substitution reactions that involve alkyne-based nucleophiles and lead to products having tertiary stereogenic centers are followed by an exceptionally stereospecific amine-catalyzed isomerization to trisubstituted allenes (see picture; NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene).