Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of chiral (αS)-(Z)-trifluoromethyl-β-aryl-enamines

Chiral (alphaS)-(Z)-trifluoromethyl-beta-aryl-enamines were regio and stereoselectiveally prepared in excellent yields by the one pot reaction of 2-aryl-1-chloro-1-trifluoromethylethlene with lithium (alphaS)-(alpha-methylbenzyl) benzylamide. A mechanism involving elimination and addition processes is discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.