The catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of chiral 2, 3-dihydroimidazo [1, 2-a] pyridine (DHIP) derivatives was examined as a function of the steric environment of the nucleophilic nitrogen and the electronic properties of the pyridine ring. 2-Phenyl-6-trifluoromethyl-DHIP (CF3-PIP) was confirmed to be the best catalyst in this series. In addition, three second- generation catalysts derived from the 1, 2-dihydroimidazo [1, 2-a] quinoline (DHIQ) core ...