Enantioselective Cu-catalyzed decarboxylative propargylic amination of propargyl carbamates

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric propargylic amination with a chiral ketimine P,N,N-ligand that proceeds via decarboxylation of propargyl carbamates has been developed. The reaction can be performed under the mild condition for a broad range of substrates, providing the corresponding propargylic amines in high yields and with up to 97% ee. This reaction represents a new and facile access to optically active propargylic amines.