Efficient preparation of Ellman’s imines from trifluoromethyl ketones promoted by zirconium(IV) tert-butoxide

An efficient synthesis of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl trifluoromethyl ketimines by using zirconium(IV) tert-butoxide is described. Compared to conventional titanium(IV) ethoxide, this protocol gave better result especially for sterically hindered ketones. In addition to the high reactivity, a high degree of enantiopurity of the N-tert-butanesulfinyl group is retained.