A cationic RhI/(R,R)- walphos complex catalyzes an enantioselective [4 + 2] annulation of 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes with cyclic electron-deficient carbonyl compds. at room temp. Enantioenriched spirocyclic benzopyranones and isatin derivs. are obtained in high yield (up to 97%) and high enantioselectivity (up to > 99%). [on SciFinder(R)]