A straightforward green synthesis of N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)imines

A straightforward and environment-friendly protocol for the synthesis of valuable chiral N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)imines has been developed. Different from traditional process with benzaldehydes as substrates, arylmethyl alcohols, benzylthiol, dibenzyl ether, thioether, and disulfide are used as alternative substrates to react with tert-butanesulfinamide in the presence of KOtBu under air for the synthesis of chiral N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)imines. This is a transition metal-free, mild, cost-effective, and simple process.