Asymmetric Reduction of tert-Butanesulfinyl Ketimines by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Boranes

N-heterocyclic carbene borane (NHC-borane) based on a triazole core is demonstrated for the first time to be efficient for reduction of a variety of tert-butanesulfinyl ketimines. Up to 95% yield and up to >99% diastereomeric excess were achieved. NHC-borane exhibited excellent activities that are more efficient than or comparable to commonly used reductive reagents such as NaBH4, NaBH3CN, l-selectride, Ru catalyst, or BH3-THF.