Leveraging electron-deficient iminium intermediates in a general synthesis of valuable amines

The development of reactions converting alkenes and alkynes into valuable building blocks remains one of the main goals of synthetic chemistry. Herein, we present the leveraging of highly electron-deficient iminium ions, rare and fleeting intermediates, into a general amine synthesis. This enables the preparation of amines bearing e.g. valuable alpha-trifluoromethyl moieties under mild conditions. This broad concept is highlighted by the late-stage amination of Quinine into a biologically interesting new analogue.