Asymmetric, Catalytic Phenyl Transfer to Imines: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Diarylmethylamines

Both planar and central chirality are not necessary in [2.2]paracyclophane-based N,O-ligands to achieve high enantioselectivity: diarylmethylamines are obtained in excellent yields and enantioselectivities up to 97 % ee in the enantioselective transfer of a phenyl group from organozinc reagents to imines in the presence of catalytic amounts of ketimine L* (see scheme).