Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylation of N -Aryl Aldimines.

The copper-catalyzed enantioselective allylation reaction of N -aryl aldimines has been developed using a combination of Cu(OAc) ₂ and SPINOL-based phosphonamidite. This protocol significantly broadens the substrate scope, such that imines bearing various ortho -substituents on the N -aryl were converted smoothly into homoallylic amines in up to 99% yield and 98% ee. Taking advantage of the diversity of the N -aryl motif, three kinds of N -heterocyclic compounds were constructed, respectively, from the corresponding homoallylic amines in merely one step.