The first asymmetric
intermolecular addition of non-acidic C–H
bonds to imines is reported. The use of the activating <i>N</i>-perfluorobutanesulfinyl imine substituent is essential for achieving
sufficient reactivity and provides outstanding diastereoselectivity
(>98:2 dr). Straightforward removal of the sulfinyl group with
HCl
yields the highly enantiomerically enriched amine hydrochlorides