Catalytic Enantioselective Reaction of [alpha]-Phenylthioacetonitriles with Imines Using Chiral Bis(imidazoline)-Palladium Catalysts

The catalytic enantioselective reaction of [alpha]-phenylthioacetonitriles with imines has been developed. The reaction of various imines proceeds in good yields and diastereo- and enantioselectivities in the presence of chiral bis(imidazoline)-palladium catalysts. The obtained products can be converted into [beta]-aminonitrile or [beta]-aminoamide compounds without loss of enantiopurity.