to manzacidins A and D, here we report a highly efficient catalyticasymmetric α-allenylic alkylation reaction of NH2-unprotected aminoacid esters that is promoted by combined chiral aldehyde/palladium catalysis. Fifty examples of unnatural α,α-disubstituted aminoacid esters are reported with good-to-excellent yields and stereoselectivities. Based on this methodology, a key intermediate leading to