Asymmetric synthesis of either diastereomer of trifluoromethylated allylic amines by the selective reduction of trifluoromethyl alpha,beta-unsaturated N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketoimines

Regio- and diastereoselective reduction of chiral trifluoromethyl alpha,beta-unsaturated N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketoimines 1 was achieved by choosing appropriate reducing agent and either diastereomer of the corresponding trifluoromethylated allylic amines was obtained with good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity (up to > 99 : 1 dr).