Stereoselective Amination of Chiral Benzylic Ethers Using Chlorosulfonyl Isocyanate: Total Synthesis of (+)-Sertraline

The stereoselective amination of various chiral benzylic ethers using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate is developed, and the application of this method to the total synthesis of a potent antidepressant, (+)-sertraline, from readily available 1-naphthol is also described.