Diastereoselective reduction of enantiopure N-p-toluenesulfinyl ketimines derived from pyridyl ketones

DIBAL reduction of enantiopure N-p-toluenesulfinyl ketimines derived from 2-pyridyl ketones bearing an additional substituent on the 6-position of the pyridine ring afforded the related N-p-toluenesulfinyl amines with high yields and diastereoselectivities. The results of a number experiments exploring the conversion of a optically active 1-substituted N-toluenesulfinyl 1-(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylamine in a number of more complex pyridine derivatives with maintenance of the toluenesulfinyl group N-protecting group is also reported.