Abstract
The preparation of 4a-methyl-substituted bicyclic enones in high enantiomeric purity is described, involving a Michael alkylation of (R)- or (S)-1-phenylethyl imines of the corresponding (±)-2-methylcyclopentanone, 2-methyl-cyclohexanone, 2-methylcycloheptanone, and 2-methylcyclooctanone with methyl vinyl ketone.