Direct catalytic enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of dichloroacetonitrile using bis(imidazoline)-Pd catalysts

The catalytic enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of dichloroacetonitrile with imines has been developed. Good yields and enantioselectivity were observed for the reaction with various imines using chiral bis(imidazoline) catalysts. beta-Aminonitriles or beta-aminoamide were obtained from products without the loss of enantiopurity.