A Simplified Synthesis of Takemoto’s Catalyst

A facile two-step procedure for the preparation of Takemoto’s catalyst is reported. The thiourea moiety was obtained by condensation of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline with phenyl chlorothioformate and in situ substitution of phenol by trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. Subsequent reductive dimethylation using formaldehyde/zinc afforded Takemoto’s catalyst.