Asymmetric Friedel-Crafts Reactions of N-tert-Butylsulfinyl-3,3,3-trifluoroacetaldimines: General Access to Enantiomerically Pure Indoles Containing a 1-Amino-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl Group

We have demonstrated that 3,3,3-trifluoroacetaldimine (S)-1 easily reacts with indole derivatives under Friedel Crafts reactions to provide reliable and generalized access to biologically interesting compounds containing the CF3CH(NH2)- pharmacophoric group. The reactions proceed with high rates and generally excellent yields (>90%) and stereochemical outcomes (99:1 dr).