A practical diastereoselective synthesis of β-hydroxy-β-trifluoromethyl imines

The asymmetric carbon–carbon bond formation reaction affording chiral β-hydroxy-β-trifluoromethyl imines is reported involving the nucleophilic addition of sulfinimine anions derived from chiral N-(tert-butanesulfinyl) ketimines to trifluoromethyl ketones. The reaction tolerates a wide range of nucleophiles, giving the condensation products in good to excellent total yields with good diastereoselectivities (up to 85:15 dr).