Advances in the Catalytic Asymmetric Arylation of Imines using Organoboron Reagents: An Approach to Chiral Arylamines

Abstract

The production of chiral amines by means of catalytic asymmetric synthesis is a current challenge in the field of drug discovery and is discussed in this review. The use of cheap, easily handled, and low toxic organoboron reagents, such as boronic acids and derivatives, and easily prepared imine substrates, such as diphenylphosphinoyl, N-Boc, N-tosylaryl, N-nosylaryl, or dimethylsulfamoyl imines, together with rhodium and palladium catalysts give the corresponding chiral amine products in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. A diverse range of chiral ligands, such as phosphines, phosphites, phosphoramidites, P,O-ligands, olefins, NHCs, and N,N-ligands can be used with this method, showing, therefore, its versatility. The application of aliphatic imine substrates and with the use of different palladium complexes show, on the other hand, the versatility of the method described.