Catalytic Asymmetric Reductive Condensation of N-H Imines: Synthesis of C2 -Symmetric Secondary Amines.

A highly diastereoselective and enantioselective Brønsted acid catalyzed reductive condensation of N-H imines was developed. This reaction is catalyzed by a chiral disulfonimide (DSI), uses Hantzsch esters as a hydrogen source, and delivers useful C2 -symmetric secondary amines.