Zhiyong Chi, Xiaoling Cheng, Longxiao Chi, Shaofeng Wu, Guo Tang, Lei Gong
Chiral γ-amino ketones are vital scaffolds, yet catalytic asymmetric synthesis is constrained by side reactions and remote stereocontrol. We report a copper-catalyzed addition of cyclopropanols to N-sulfonyl imines that leverages ring strain for ring opening. This mechanistically distinct platform enables efficient construction of quaternary stereocenters, affording products in up to 98% yield and 93% ee.