The first highly enantioselective reaction of allenylnitriles with imines has been developed. Excellent yields and enantioselectivities were observed for the reaction with various imines using chiral Phebim-Pd complexes. This process offers a simple and efficient synthetic route for various functionalized α-vinylidene-β-aminonitriles and their derivatives.

The first highly enantioselective reaction of allenylnitriles with imines has been developed. Excellent yields and enantioselectivities were observed for the reaction with various imines using chiral Phebim-Pd II complexes.This process offers asimple and efficient synthetic route for various functionalized a-vinylidene-b-aminonitriles and their derivatives. Gokiso, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555 (Japan)