Chloride ion promoted nucleophilic pentafluorophenylation of imines

Nucleophilic addition of the pentafluorophenyl group from (C6F5)3SiF to non-activated imines affording α-C6F5-substituted secondary amines in high yield has been described. The reaction proceeds via simultaneous activation of imines and the silane reagent by means of a proton and chloride ion, respectively.

Nucleophilic addition of the C6F5-group to non-activated imines is described.