Direct access to CF3-propargyl amines and conversion to difluoromethyl imines

Trifluoromethyl aldimines reacted with acetylides in toluene at −78 °C to provide propargyl amines in good yields. From a chiral trifluoromethyl aldimine, the propargyl amines were obtained with excellent diastereoselectivities (de >98%). Trifluoromethyl propargyl amines could be further converted into difluoromethyl imines under basic conditions.