Zinc-Mediated Mannich-Type Reaction of 2,2,2-Trifluorodiazoethane with Imines: Access to β-CF3-Amines.

A zinc-mediated Mannich-type transformation of 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane with a series of imines has been described. This method provides facile access to a wide range of trifluorodiazoethyl-substituted amines in moderate to high yields under mild conditions. The synthetic utility of the afforded adducts is demonstrated by further transformations to valuable β-CF3-amines.