Cu(I)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reaction of Glycine Schiff Bases to Ketimines.

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction between glycine Schiff bases and ketimines has been developed. This method afforded 2-oxindole-based chiral syn-α,β-diamino acid derivatives in high yields (89-99%) with good to excellent diastereoselectivities (≤98:2 dr) and excellent enantioselectivities (95-99% ee).