Reaction of alpha-carbanion of imines with N-tosylimines: a facile route to beta-aminoaldehydes and 1,3-diamines

Deprotonation of aldimines by LDA, followed by trapping of the resulting carbanion with N-tosylimines and hydrolysis or reduction provides a convenient access to beta-aminoaldehydes or 1,3-diamines.