Enantioselective allylation of imines catalyzed by newly developed (-)-β-pinene-based π-allylpalladium catalyst: an efficient synthesis of (R)-α-propylpiperonylamine and (R)-pipecolic acid.

A newly developed π-allylpalladium with a (-)-β-pinene framework and an isobutyl side chain catalyzed the enantioselective allylation of imines in good yields and enantioselectivities (20 examples, up to 98% ee). An efficient enantioselective synthesis of the (R)-α-propyl piperonylamine part of DMP 777, a human leukocyte elastase inhibitor and (R)-pipecolic acid have been achieved as a useful application of this methodology.