Catalytic, enantioselective allylation of α-iminoesters promoted by silver(I) complexes of chiral imines

The catalytic enantioselective addition of allyltributylstannane to N-protected α-iminoesters promoted by silver(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate in the presence of chiral imine ligands was studied. After testing several chiral imines derived from 1,2-diaminocyclohexane and binaphthyl diamine a very simple experimental procedure was developed that allowed us to obtain optically active homoallylic amines in very high yields and enantioselectivities up to 71%.