A highly enantioselective lewis basic organocatalyst for reduction of N-aryl imines with unprecedented substrate spectrum

L-Pipecolinic acid derived formamides have been developed as highly efficient and enantioselective Lewis basic organocatalysts for the reduction of N-aryl imines with trichlorosilane. Catalyst 4b afforded high isolated yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivities(up to 96%) under mild conditions with an unprecedented substrate spectrum.