Practical and stereoselective synthesis of β-amino sulfones from alkyl phenyl sulfones and N-(tert-butylsulfinyl) aldimines.

A practical and straightforward approach for the highly stereoselective synthesis of β-amino sulfones was developed. With lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as the base, the corresponding sulfone-stabilized carbanion derived from alkylphenyl sulfone can be transferred to N-(tert-butylsulfinyl) aldimines in excellent yields and with high diastereoselectivity.