Transition state analysis suggests that substantial 1,2 asymmetric induction could be observed in the course of rhodium-mediated intramolecular CH insertion. This analysis successfully predicts predominant formation of the 3,4-dialkyl cyclopentane when an α-diazo β-ketoester having a δ-phenyl substituent is cyclized. ... TLC R f (20% EtOAc/hexane) = 0.33; IR: 2965, 1740, 1730, 1500, 1460, 1440, 1410, 1330, 1295, 1205, 1145, 1040, 695 cm −1 ; 1 H NMR: ...