Both enantiomers of sabina ketone were efficiently prepared via an easy synthesis of 1-diazo-5-methylene-6-methylheptan-2-one, starting from succinic anhydride, followed by its highly enantioselective cyclization catalyzed by chiral dirhodium(II) compounds having ortho-metalated phosphines as ligands. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.