Abstract: Disclosed herein is an efficient organocatalytic formal N-H insertion reactions of arylamines with a-keto sulfoxonium ylides bearing two aryl groups, delivering a broad range of a-tertiary aminoketones with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 90% yield and 94% ee). The utilities of this protocol were also demonstrated by facile preparation of enantioenriched 2-amino-1,2-diarylethanol bearing two different aryl groups, a type of important building blocks lacking efficent access.

Authors: Ying Zhou, Xin Yue, Feng Jiang, Jianwei Sun, Wengang Guo*

Congratulations to Zhou Ying!