A new approach to the asymmetric Mannich reaction catalyzed by chiral ,'-dioxide-metal complexes.

A highly efficient asymmetric Mannich-type reaction between α-tetralone-derived β-keto esters/amides and 1,3,5-triaryl-1,3,5-triazinanes was realized in the presence of chiral ,'-dioxide-Ni(ii) or Mg(ii) complex. A variety of optically active β-amino compounds with all-carbon quaternary stereocenters were obtained in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. A possible transition state was proposed based on these experiments and previous reports.