Diastereoselective addition of α-substituted α-amino-H-phosphinates to imines using Yb(OTf)3 as an efficient Lewis acid catalyst

Diastereoselective addition of α-substituted α-amino-H-phosphinates to imines is described. Among Lewis acids, Yb(OTf)3 was found to be the best catalyst. α,α′-Diaminophosphinic derivatives were obtained with deʹs ranging from 10 to 95% in the presence of Yb(OTf)3 as an efficient Lewis acid catalyst. The reaction proceeded with retention of configuration at the phosphorus atom.