Three-Component, One-pot Procedure for α-Chiral Amine Synthesis

Significance

This one-pot process afforded chiral α-amine hydrochlorides in excellent enantio­selectivities and moderate to excellent yields from an aldehyde, diphenylphosphinoylamide, and excess dialkylzinc. This protocol should ­replace the previously described three-step reaction including imine formation, enantioselective nucleophilic addition, and deprotection. A one-step process that can potentially be adapted to combinatorial techniques is now available. A number of aldehydes including different electronic and steric properties are tolerated using catalytic amounts of BozPHOS·CuOTf complex. Two commercially available dialkylzinc reagents (Et₂Zn and Me₂Zn) were used, the latter yielding to poorer yield and slightly lower enantioselectivities.