Chiral N-phosphonyl imine chemistry: an efficient asymmetric synthesis of chiral N-phosphonyl propargylamines.

A variety of substituted chiral propargylamines have been synthesized by reacting chiral N-phosphonylimines with lithium aryl/alkyl acetylides. Seventeen examples were studied to give excellent yields (>90%) and diastereoselectivities (96 : 4 to 99 : 1). It was found that the types of bases for generating acetylides and solvents are crucial for effectiveness of this asymmetric reaction. In addition, N,N-isopropyl group on chiral N-phosphonylimine auxiliary was proven to be superior to other protecting groups in controlling diastereoselectivity.