Chiral C1-symmetric diaminothiophosphoramide–Cu(I) catalyzed asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to N-sulfonylimines

In the presence of a catalytic amount of chiral diaminothiophosphoramide L7 (6 mol%) and Cu(I) (3 mol%), the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to N-sulfonylimines could be achieved in good yields with moderate to good e.e. (50–74% e.e.) at 0°C in toluene. A novel chiral diaminothiophosphoramide ligand system for this asymmetric addition reaction has been explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]