Iminophosphorane-mediated regioselective umpolung alkylation reaction of α-iminoesters

Umpolung reactions of imines, especially the asymmetric reactions, have been extensively studied as they provide access to important chiral amines in an efficient manner. The reactions studied range from simple Michael reactions to several kinds of other reactions such as the aza-benzoin reaction, aza-Stetter reaction, addition with MBH carbonate, and Ir-catalysed allylation. Herein, we report the first umpolung alkylation reaction of α-iminoesters with alkyl halides mediated by iminophosphorane as an organic superbase. The desired products were obtained in up to 82% yield with almost perfect regioselectivities. The key to the regioselectivity of this reaction was the use of 4-trifluoromethyl benzyl imines as a substrate. The products were successfully derivatised into the more functionalised molecules in good yields.