Pd-Catalyzed Allylation of Imines to Access α-CF-Substituted α-Amino Acid Derivatives.

We herein report a high yielding protocol for the direct α-allylation of easily accessible trifluoropyruvate-derived imines using Pd-catalysis. The reaction gives access to a variety of different α-allylated-α-CF-amino acids in a straightforward manner, starting from commercially available trifluoropyruvate. We also provide a proof-of-concept for an enantioselective protocol (up to = 75:25) by using chiral phosphane ligands.