Organometallic reactions in aqueous media. Indium- and zinc-mediated allylation of sulfonimines.

Sulfonimines derived from aryl and nonenolizable aliphatic aldehydes can be effectively allylated to the corresponding homoallylic sulfonamides with allylic bromides promoted by indium or zinc. The solvent used can be water, THF, or a mixed aqueous THF solvent. The regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of the reaction were studied.