The use of binaphthophosphepine 1a as a catalyst for the [3+2] cyclisation between allenoates or 2-butynoates andimines was investigated. The effects of the imine protecting group on both the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity were determined by comparing the behaviour of N-tosyl- and N-DPP-imines. The N-DPP-imines displayed lower reactivity, but afforded the desired pyrrolines in higher enantiomeric