Stereoselective Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation of N-(tert-Butylsulfinyl)imines by Using Trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane.

A very general reaction is presented to achieve the nucleophilic transfer of "CF3 " to chiral N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)imines in high yield and high stereoselectivity. Tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate (TBAT) functions as a fluoride source, and aromatic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic sulfinylimines react smoothly. The high stereoselectivity suggests that the reaction proceeds through an open transition state. TMS=trimethylsilyl.