Enantioselective Lewis-Base-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrosilylation of Substituted Benzophenone N-Aryl Imines: Efficient Synthesis of Chiral (Diarylmethyl)amines

Lewis-base-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of substituted benzophenone N-aryl imines was investigated. Among various chiral Lewis-base catalysts, a catalyst derived from l-Serine was found to be the most favorable one which promote the reaction to afford a series of (diarylmethyl)amines with high yields (up to 97%) in moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). The absolute configuration of the product was determined by the X-ray crystallographic analysis.