An asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(+)-2-nonyl-2-(carbomethoxy) cyclopentanone, a known precursor of the antibiotic (−)-malyngolide

A synthesis of (R)-(+)-2-nonyl-2-(carbomethoxy)cyclopentanone 2 via an asymmetric Michael process involving the chiral β-enamino ester (+)-3 is described.