Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of vicinal diamine derivatives through enantioselective N-allylation using chiral pi-allyl Pd-catalyst.

[reaction: see text] N-monoallylation of meso-vicinal diamine bistrisylamides using a chiral pi-allyl-Pd catalyst proceeded in an enantioselective manner (up to 90% ee) to give desymmetrization products in good yields. The product was converted to the known sigma-receptor agonist in short steps. In addition, the present catalytic asymmetric N-allylation was applied to kinetic resolution of racemic-diamide.