β-Sulfinimidoyl Esters as Sulfenamide Anion Precursors for Accessing Aza-Sulfur Stereogenic Centers

This study reports the design and application of a class of β-sulfinimidoyl esters as sulfenamide anion precursors for constructing aza-sulfur stereocenters. These compounds were effectively utilized in a pentanidium-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of enantioenriched sulfilimines, demonstrating a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies support the existence of sulfenamide anion intermediates, formed via a retro-Micheal reaction under phase-transfer conditions. These new precursors are expected to expand the diversity of accessible aza-sulfur stereocenters and pave the way for their broader applications.