Enantioselective synthesis of cyclic secondary amines through Mo-catalyzed asymmetric ring-closing metathesis (ARCM).

Carbocyclic amines are synthesized efficiently in up to 93% ee by asymmetric ring-closing metathesis (ARCM) with 2-5 mol % chiral Mo complexes. An example is provided where the catalyst is prepared in situ (catalyst isolation not needed) to afford secondary amines that cannot be prepared by alternative methods. [reaction: see text]