Asymmetric Mannich reactions of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-derived nucleophiles with (S(S))-N-tert-butanesulfinyl (3,3,3)-trifluoroacetaldimine.

Asymmetric Mannich reactions of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-derived nucleophiles with (SS)-N-tert-butanesulfinyl (3,3,3)-trifluoroacetaldimine were found to proceed with reasonably good yields (55%-79%) and exceptionally high stereoselectivity (>99 : 1 dr). This method presents a general approach for the preparation of a new type of biologically relevant compounds containing pharmacophoric imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole and (trifluoro)ethylamine groups.