Mechanistic insights on the stereoselective nucleophilic 1,2-addition to sulfinyl imines

The asymmetric nucleophilic 1,2-addition of (S)-N-benzylidene-2-methylpropane-2-sulfinamide with methylmagnesium bromide and methyllithium has been investigated using DFT(B3LYP) computations. The calculated ratio of the two diastereomers agrees with experimental observations and the factors that determine the diastereomeric ratio are discussed. The preference for the E isomer and the rapid equilibrium between the E and Z isomers of N-tert-butanesulfinyl imine are two key features for understanding the mechanism of this reaction. Methylmagnesium bromide and methyllithium have bifunctional roles, acting as both Lewis acid and nucleophile and the Lewis acid character has a determining role on the stereoselectivity of the reaction.