The enantioselective phospha-Mannich reaction of diethyl phosphite to unactivated N-DPP-protected ketimines catalyzed by a bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP) superbase organocatalyst is described. The reaction is applicable to ketimines bearing electron-rich and electron-poor aryl substituents and occurs with excellent yields and moderate enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions.
