Synthesis of Allylic Amines by Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated N-(tert-Butylsulfinyl)imines.

Primary allylic amines with enantiomeric excesses from 97 to >99% were prepared by asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)ketimines followed by removal of the sulfinyl group. The effect caused by different substituents at the C═C bond and at the iminic carbon atom on the chemoselectivity of the reduction was studied. The desired enantiomer of the final allylic amine can be synthesized by choosing the sulfinyl group with the appropriate absolute configuration.