Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling of Imines with α-Imino Esters for the Construction of α,β-Diamino Acid Derivatives

Abstract A nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction of different imines has been developed. This method enables the first reductive cross-coupling between aryl/alkyl imines and α-imino esters, affording α,β-diamino acid derivatives bearing quaternary carbon centers in a single-step process. This imine umpolung strategy exhibits several advantages, such as mild conditions and broad functional group compatibility.