Copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric addition of diarylphosphine sulfides to aldimines

Abstract

Herein, we report a copper(I)-catalyzed enantioselective addition of diarylphosphine sulfides to N-thiophosphinoyl aldimines. The reaction offers some advantages, such as mild conditions, an easy protocol, and high enantioselectivity. Control experiments indicate that the “soft–soft” interactions between the copper(I) catalyst and the sulfur atoms in both diarylphosphine sulfides and N-thiophosphinoyl aldimines facilitate the addition.