Merging nucleophilic and hydrogen bonding catalysis: an anion binding approach to the kinetic resolution of propargylic amines.

An efficient kinetic resolution of primary propargylic amines with s-factors of up to 56 is reported. The strategy is based on a dual catalytic approach, namely the use of a newly developed and easy-to-make thiourea-amide anion binding catalyst in combination with 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), both employed at a 5 mol % catalyst loading. Benzylic amines are also resolved with s-factors of up to 38.