Identification of a highly effective asymmetric phase-transfer catalyst derived from α-methylnaphthylamine

A library of quaternary ammonium salts has been generated via reaction of simple chiral amines with a series of conformationally dynamic biphenyl units. Screening of this library against the alkylation of a glycine imine has led to the identification of a highly effective asymmetric phase-transfer catalyst derived from α-methylnaphthylamine.