Stereoselective α-Methylation of N-Methyl Benzylamine via a Combination of Chromium Tricarbonyl and Chiral Formamidine Methodologies.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(01)93512-9

Whereas carbanions of formamidines derived from N-methyl benzylamine and L-valinol or L-leucinol undergo electrophilic benzylic methylation with poor stereoselectivities (d.e. 17-26percent), enhanced stereoselectivities (d.e. 74-84percent) are observed for the corresponding chromium tricarbonyl complexes.