Bifunctional catalysis: Direct reductive amination of aliphatic ketones with an iridium-phosphate catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules15042453

Chiral amines are one of the ubiquitous functional groups in fine chemical, pharmaceutical and agrochemical products, and the most convenient, economical, and ecobenign synthetic pathway to these amines is direct asymmetric reductive amination (DARA) of prochiral ketones. This paper shows that a wide range of aliphatic ketones can be directly aminated under hydrogenation conditions, affording chiral amines with good to excellent yields and with enantioselectivities up to 96% ee. The catalysis is effected by the cooperative action of a cationic Cp*Ir(III) complex and its phosphate counteranion. Copyright

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules15042453

Molecules 2010, 15, 2453-2472; doi:10.3390/molecules15042453
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Bifunctional Catalysis: Direct Reductive Amination of Aliphatic
Ketones with an Iridium-Phosphate Catalyst †
Barbara Villa-Marcos 1, Chaoqun Li 1, Keith R. Mulholland 2, Philip J. Hogan 2 and
Jianliang Xiao 1,*
1
Liverpool Centre for Materials and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool,
Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK; E-Mail: barvm@liv.ac.uk (B.V.M.)
2
AstraZeneca, Silk Road Business Park, Macclesfield, SK10 2NA, UK
†
Dedicated to the memory of Professor José M. Concellón.
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: jxiao@liv.ac.uk;
Tel.: +44-151-7942937; Fax: +44-151-7943588.
Received: 9 March 2010; in revised form: 29 March 2010 / Accepted: 2 April 2010 /
Published: 8 April 2010
Abstract: Chiral amines are one of the ubiquitous functional groups in fine chemical,
pharmaceutical and agrochemical products, and the most convenient, economical, and eco-
benign synthetic pathway to these amines is direct asymmetric reductive amination
(DARA) of prochiral ketones. This paper shows that a wide range of aliphatic ketones can
be directly aminated under hydrogenation conditions, affording chiral amines with good to
excellent yields and with enantioselectivities up to 96% ee. The catalysis is effected by the
cooperative action of a cationic Cp*Ir(III) complex and its phosphate counteranion.
Keywords: reductive amination; asymmetric hydrogenation; bifunctional catalyst;
aliphatic ketones; chiral amines
1. Introduction
The use of enantiomerically pure compounds has steadily increased in the pharmaceutical and
agrochemical industry in the past decades. About 80% of all drug candidates in the pipeline are now
chiral [1]. Chiral amines in particular are important intermediates in the pharmaceutical chemistry.
Representative examples include rivastigmine, a drug for the treatment of Alzeihmer’s [2], and

Molecules 2010, 15
2454
repaglinide, which is used for the treatment of type II diabetes [3]. Tamsulosin, the blockbuster drug
Flomax, can improve symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis [4]. Additionally, chiral cyclic
amines, such as the tetrahydro-β-carboline moiety frequently appear in natural products and
biologically important molecules. For example, tubulosine displays high antitumor activity [5], and
yohimbine is an antagonist for the serotonin 2B receptor [6] (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Examples of chiral amines in the pharmaceutical industry.
SO2NH2
OMe
CO2H
OEt
O
Me
Me
N
O
N
Me2N
Et
O
H
N
O
N
H
Tamsulosin
OEt
Rivastigmine
Repaglinide
MeO
H
OMe
HN
H
H
H
N
H
N
N
H
H
EtO2C
HO
HO
NH
Et
Yohimbine
Tubulosine
Asymmetric imine hydrogenation [7–16] and direct asymmetric reductive amination [17–19]
(DARA) provide convenient methods for the synthesis of chiral amines. The latter is especially
attractive from a commercial point of view, since one step is saved, avoiding the tedious isolation of
usually-unstable imine intermediates. However, there are only a few efficient homogeneous metal
catalysts reported for DARA [20–26], and not surprisingly, DARA still remains a key green chemistry
research area [27]. In particular, the DARA of aliphatic ketones is relatively unexplored when
compared to that of aromatic ketones.
The first enantioselective reductive amination was reported by Blaser in 1999 for the synthesis of
(S)-metolachlor, the active ingredient of an important grass herbicide [20]. The product is obtained in a
reasonable 78% ee by the use of an Ir-xyliphos catalyst; but the scope of DARA has not been explored.
Subsequently, Zhang and co-workers presented successful results for the DARA of aromatic ketones
using an Ir-f-binaphane complex in the presence of Ti(OiPr)4 and I2 [21]. However, this catalyst did not
work for DARA of aliphatic ketones. Chiral amino acids have been prepared by DARA of the
corresponding keto-esters/-acids [25,26]. Börner et al. reported the DARA of α-keto acids using a
cationic Rh-Deguphos catalyst, affording good yields and up to 98% ee [25]. Subsequently,
Bunlaksananusorn and Rampf reported the synthesis of β-amino esters with a Ru-ClMeOBIPHEP
catalyst, obtaining 70-88% yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%) [26]. Recently, Rubio-
Pérez et al. reported a successful catalyst for the DARA of aliphatic ketones [24]. The Pd-(R)-BINAP
catalyst showed enantioselectivities up to 99%; however, it failed to give satisfactory results with
aromatic ketones, where the ee was only up to 43%.

Molecules 2010, 15
2455
Transfer hydrogenation has also been used to effect DARA. Kadyrov and co-workers reported the
synthesis of primary amines by DARA. Using the [Ru((R)-TolBINAP)Cl2] catalyst, excellent ee’s
were achieved in the DARA of aromatic ketones. In contrast, only a 24% ee was observed in the case
of an aliphatic ketone [22]. Wills and co-workers reported an intramolecular reductive amination under
transfer hydrogenation conditions with a Ru(II)TsDPEN catalyst, affording a cyclic amine in 88% ee
[23]. Taken together, these results show that there is a need for more versatile catalysts for DARA,
which are active, enantioselective, and effective for both aromatic and aliphatic ketones.
Recently, we became interested in the asymmetric reduction of imines [28–32]. Under
hydrogenation conditions, we obtained excellent results for the enantioselective reduction of cyclic
imines with a cationic Rh(III)-diamine catalyst (Scheme 1) [29]. Unfortunately, when applied to
acyclic imines the same catalyst was not effective, affording only poor ee’s.
Scheme 1. Hydrogenation of cyclic imines with a Rh(III)-chiral diamine catalyst.
Previously, the groups of Macmillan [33], Rueping [34] and List [35] have shown that chiral
phosphoric acid catalysts such as 3 (Figure 2) can induce excellent ee´s in imine reduction and in
DARA with Hantzsch esters, although the reaction times are generally long (up to 3 days). In these
organocatalytic reactions, the phosphoric acid activates the imine via protonation and induces chirality
by ion-pairing the resulting phosphate anion and iminium cation. Inspired by this work, we wondered
whether a more versatile catalyst for DARA that uses H2 as the hydrogen could be constructed by the
cooperative action of a H2-activating metal complex and a chiral phosphoric acid.
Figure 2. Catalyst 1 and phosphoric acids 2 and 3 used in this work.
The key elements of the cooperative catalysis are illustrated in Scheme 2. H2 is activated by the
metal complex and heterolytically cleaved, forming an iminium cation by imine protonation and an Ir-
hydride complex. In a non-polar solvent, the iminium cation ion-pairs, via hydrogen bonding, with the
chiral phosphate anion [33–35], and is reduced by hydride transfer from the metal complex

Molecules 2010, 15
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(Scheme 2). The protonation activates the C=N double bond towards attack by the hydride while ion
pairing aids its enantiodiscrimination by the metal catalyst. This ionic hydrogenation pathway, which
involves no coordination of the C=N double bond to the metal, has previously been demonstrated by
Norton by using iminium tetrafluoroborate salts [36,37].
We first demonstrated the synergistic effect of the metal-counteranion combination in the
asymmetric hydrogenation of acyclic imines [28]. Encouraged by these results, we turned our attention
to DARA, successfully extending the concept of cooperative catalysis to the reductive amination of
both aromatic and aliphatic ketones [30]. Herein, we describe the details of our work on the DARA of
aliphatic ketones.
Scheme 2. DARA of ketones via metal-counteranion cooperative catalysis.
X-
X-
R3
R2
R3
R2
+
+
HN
HN
Ir
TsN
Ph
H
R1
R3
R1
NH2
R3
R2
HN
R1
Ph
O
N
R3NH2
+
R1
R1
R2
R2
+ X-
+ X-
H
Ir
Ir
TsN
Ph
TsN
Ph
H
NH2
NH2
Ph
Ph
H2
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Optimization of conditions
We started with optimization of the DARA conditions by considering the model reaction of
4-methyl-pentan-2-one (4) with p-anisidine. Table 1 summarizes the results. While the complex 1a
(X=Cl) (Figure 2) was inactive in the DARA of 4 (entry 1), exchange of the chloride for a non-
-
-
coordinating counteranion such as SbF6 and PF6 allows the reaction to occur, but with low ee’s (15
and 35%, respectively; entries 2 and 3). Changing to the pseudo-chiral anion 2-H, the
enantioselectivity rose to 47% (entry 4). This prompted us to search for an Ir(III)-diamine complex
containing a chiral counteranion. Thus, as reported before [28,30], when we moved to the chiral
phosphate 3-H, a 19% conversion and a much higher ee of 84% were observed in 6 h reaction time
(entry 6). Aiming to boost the conversion and ee, we then studied the effect of extra acid 3 and
molecular sieves on the DARA. As can be seen, additional 3 indeed resulted in a faster reaction; but its
effect on the enantioselectivity was less significant (entries 6 vs. 7–9). In a similar way, the presence of
molecular sieves (MS) increased the reaction rate but not the enantioselectivity (entries 6 vs. 10–13).
We presume that the presence of the MS benefits the ketimine formation by removal of water from the

Molecules 2010, 15
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reaction media. Furthermore, we were pleased to discover that in the presence of the MS, the acid 3 is
no longer critical to the DARA rate and ee (entry 12 vs. 16), an observation that is in contrast to what
was observed in the DARA of aromatic ketones [30].
Table 1. Optimisation of conditions for the DARA of 4-methylpentan-2-one (4). a
OMe
[Ir] (1%)
5 bar H2
toluene, 35oC
OMe
O
HN
5a
+
H2N
4
p-anisidine
Entry Ar
X
Addtive
-
Conv. (%) b
Ee(%) c
-
1
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
b
b
b
b
a
Cl
N.R. (17 h)
2
Cl
AgSbF6 (2%)
AgPF6 (2%)
-
42 (17 h)
15 (R)
35 (R)
47 (R)
46 (R)
84 (S)
85 (S)
86 (S)
89 (S)
85 (S)
86 (S)
86 (S)
86 (S)
85 (S)
86 (S)
86 (S)
91 (S)
-
3
Cl
60 (17 h)
4
2-H
2-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
3-H
11 (17 h)
5
2 (5%)
28 (17 h)
6
-
19
7
3 (1%)
42
8
3 (5%)
60
9
3 (8%)
67
10
11
12
13
14
15 d
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
4Å MS (50 mg)
4Å MS (100 mg)
4Å MS
30
50
59
4Å MS (200 mg)
3 (1%),4Å MS
3 (5%),4Å MS
3 (8%),4Å MS
4Å MS
59
58
63
72
57 (24 h)
-
5
4Å MS
7
-
3 (8%)
50
71 (S)
74 (S)
87 (S)
3 (8%),4Å MS
4Å MS
60
>99 (12 h)
a
Reaction conditions: 0.55 mmol of 4, 0.5 mmol of p-anisidine, 1 mol% of catalyst, 2 mL of
toluene, 5 bar of H2, 35 ºC, 150 mg of 4 Å MS when added unless specified, 6 h unless specified.
b Conversion of p-anisidine, determined by 1H-NMR analysis of the crude product. c Determined by
HPLC analysis; d 20 ºC.
The observations above point to an easier ketimine formation in the DARA of aliphatic ketones.
In the case of aromatic ketones, the reaction appears to be limited by this step and hence
necessitates both a Brønsted acid and MS, which can catalyze the ketone-amine condensation and
help shift the resulting equilibrium by removing water [28,30]. Scheme 3 illustrates a competition
reaction between an aromatic and an aliphatic ketone, which led to the predominant DARA of 4,
showing that aromatic ketones are essentially inactive under the questions employed. When dealing

Molecules 2010, 15
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with the aliphatic ketones, we also noted that there was no competition between hydrogenation of
ketones over imines; the ketones were not reduced under the DARA conditions.
Scheme 3. Competitive DARA of an aromatic and an aliphatic ketone with p-anisidine.
A quick screening on the ligand showed that catalyst 1a (X = 3-H) surpassed 1b (X = 3-H) in terms
of activity and enantioselectivity (entry 16 vs. 21). In addition, the effect of temperature was also
studied. Although a slight increase in the enantioselectivity was observed (entry 17), lowering the
temperature to 20 °C afforded only a 57% conversion after 24 h. Finally, we confirmed the reaction
goes to completion in 12 h reaction time (entry 22). Taken together, these results suggest the optimum
reaction conditions to include catalyst 1a (X = 3-H) and MS (150 mg), and we deemed the addition of
extra 3 unnecessary, avoiding the use of an expensive chiral acid.
2.2. Scope of substrates
Next, we explored the application of the optimized reaction conditions to a variety of aliphatic
ketones and aromatic amines. As can be seen, a wide range of aliphatic ketones were readily aminated
with p-anisidine (Table 2), m-anisidine (Table 3) and relatively more electron-deficient anilines (Table
4) under 5 bar of H2 at 35 ºC. The amines 5, 6 and 7 were obtained with good yields and excellent
enantioselectivities in general. Notably, the catalyst tolerates other reducible functional groups in the
substrates, such as terminal (5i) and internal alkenes (5j, 6h, 7e) and highly strained cyclopropyl ring
(5h, 6i, 7f).
Table 2 presents the results for the DARA with p-anisidine. Compared to our results reported for
imine hydrogenation at 20 ºC (5a, 5e, 5i) [28], the enantioselectivity is slightly lower, but with the
advantage of not isolating the imines. The product 5c was previously obtained in 84% ee [38], via the
reduction of the corresponding enantiomerically pure α-sulfinyl ketimine followed by desulfinylation.
5e appeared in the DARA with the Pd-(R)-BINAP, showing a slightly lower ee (76%) [24]. The amine
5i was obtained by Macmillan et al. in 90% ee in DARA with Hanztsch ester, but requiring a long
reaction time (96 h) [33]. Finally, the amine 5j has also been reported, as the product of the
hydrosilylation of the corresponding imine with 90% ee [39].
In general, the products arising from the DARA of alkyl-methyl ketones with p-anisidine are
obtained with good yields and excellent ee’s. However, the enantioselectivity dropped significantly
when alkyl-ethyl ketones were aminated (5f, 5g). Clearly, the catalyst is unable to discriminate
efficiently an ethyl from a butyl or pentyl group.

Molecules 2010, 15
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Table 2. DARA of aliphatic ketones with p-anisidine. a
Entry
Product
Yield
(%)
Ee b
(%)
Entry
Product
Yield
(%)
Ee b
(%)
1
91
82
87
7
80
90
71
2
96 c
8
93
3
4
88
82
90
93
9
80
89
92
95
10
5
6
79
80
91
49
11
85
93
a Reaction conditions: 0.55 mmol of ketone, 0.5 mmol of p-anisidine, 1 mol% of 1a (X = 3-H),
2 mL of toluene, 150 mg of 4 Å MS, 5 bar of H2, 35 °C, 12–20 h. b Determined by HPLC; S
configuration, assigned by comparison with the literature [33]. c ~2% d.e.
With the sterically more demanding m-methoxyanilines, both the yields and ee’s remained good,
although lower than those with p-anisidines in most cases (Table 3). This lowering in ee may stem
from a less favored interaction of the iminium ion with either the metal catalyst or the counteranion or
both. Worthy of particular mention is the amine 6c, where the catalyst is capable of differentiating an
isopropyl and a methyl group, affording an excellent 90% ee. The amines 6e, 6h and 6i have been
previously reported as products for a tandem intermolecular hydroamination-transfer hydrogenation of
alkynes [40]. Although similar enantioselectivities were achieved, much longer reaction times appear
to be necessary (up to 72 h). As in the case of p-anisidines, the enantioselectivity dropped significantly
when alkyl-ethyl ketones were used (6f and 6g).

Molecules 2010, 15
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Table 3. DARA with m-substituted anilines. a
Entry Product
Yield
(%)
Ee
Entry
Product
Yield
(%)
Ee
(%)
(%)
1
72
82
80
6
81
83
61
64
2
3
96 b
7
8
86
90
67
82
4
5
77
85
91
92
9
62
80
82
91
10
a Reaction conditions were the same as those in Table 2, except with 0.5 mmol m-anisidine. b ~8% d.e.
We then investigated DARA of aliphatic ketones with aniline and more electron-deficient
analogues. Amines 7 were obtained with good yields and enantioselectivities (Table 4). Of particular
note is that 4-bromo aniline also reacted, giving rise to a decent yield and ee, albeit in a longer reaction
time (7h). Other aliphatic ketones were also aminated with 4-bromo as well as 4-chloro-aniline,
affording 70–90% yields. However, we have not been able to find suitable conditions to separate the
enantiomers by HPLC; so they are not included in this paper. Compounds 7a and 7b were previously
obtained in DARA with the [PdBr2((R)-BINAP)] catalyst [24], with only a 51% and 10% ee,
respectively. A poor ee (17%) was also observed for the amine 7b in the hydrogenation of the
corresponding imine with a cationic Ir(I) complex containing a chiral phosphanodihydrooxazole ligand
[41]. Similarly, the amine 7d was previously obtained in only 18% ee in the literature [42]. The current
catalytic system does not work with aliphatic amines, however, where the intermediate imine is formed
but not reduced.

Molecules 2010, 15
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Table 4. DARA with aniline and 4-bromoaniline. a
Entry Product
Yield
(%)
Ee
Entry
Product
Yield
(%)
Ee
(%)
(%)
1
80
92
83
83
88
94
95
92
5
91
91
95
70
91
92
91
84
2
3
4
6
HN
7
O
O
7g
8 b
a Same conditions as those in Table 2, except with 0.5 mmol aniline. b 0.5 mmol 4-bromoaniline, 30 h.
To further appreciate how steric effects affect the cooperative DARA, we compared the amination
of the ketones in Figure 3 with p-anisidine. As can be seen, with increasing steric hindrance near the
carbonyl carbon, the DARA becomes slower, and no amination was observed with the sterically most
demanding tert-butylmethyl ketone, even after 24 h. This reduction in rate is most likely a result of
increased difficulty in hydride transfer. The enantioselectivity is, however, more subtle to explain, as it
does not follow the trend of reaction rate and is highest with a sterically bulky ketone (entries 2 vs. 1
and 3, Table 2). This is probably a reflection of the enantioselectivity being controlled by both the
Ir(III) catalyst and its counteranion. The former is responsible for hydride delivery and would be
expected to respond to steric effects in the manner observed.
Figure 3. Conversions observed in the DARA with 1a (X = 3-H) (1%) at 5 bar H2 and
35 ºC in 8 h.
3. Experimental
3.1. General
Unless otherwise specified, the chemicals were obtained commercially and used without further
purification. Toluene was dried over sodium and distilled prior to use. 4 Å molecular sieves (MS) were

Molecules 2010, 15
2462
dried in an oven at 160 ºC for a minimum of 24 h. NMR spectra were recorded on a DRX-400
spectrometer operating at 400 MHz (1H) or 100 Mhz (13C) using CDCl3 as solvent and TMS as the
internal standard. The mass spectra were obtained by chemical ionization (CI). HPLC analysis was
performed on a Gilson UV/VIS-151 equipped with an OD-H, OB-H or OJ column purchased from
Daicel Chemical Industries. The catalysts 1a (X = 2-H), 1a (X = 3-H) and 1b (X = 3-H) were
synthesized according to the literature procedure by reacting the corresponding 16 e- species with the
phosphoric acid 2 or 3, without further purification [28,43]. Compounds 2 and 3 were also prepared
following the literature procedure [33,35], as well as catalyst 1a (X = Cl) [44]. The configuration of 5i
was assigned by comparison with the literature [33], and that of the rest was based on analogy with the
assignment for that compound without verification.
3.2. General procedure for DARA
To a glass liner equipped with a stir bar was added 4 Å MS (150 mg), aliphatic ketone (0.55 mmol),
amine (0.5 mmol), catalyst (5 μmol) and distilled toluene (2 mL). The glass liner was then placed into
an autoclave, followed by degassing with H2 three times. The hydrogenation was carried out at 5 bar
H2 with stirring at 35 ºC for 12–30 h. The hydrogen gas was then carefully released in a fume hood and
the solution was filtered, transferred to a flask, and concentrated to afford the crude product. Flash
chromatography purification with a column of silica gel eluted with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate
(15/1) yielded the desired amine product.
4-Methoxy-N-(4-methylpentan-2-yl)aniline (5a) [28]. The product (94 mg, 91% yield, 87% ee) was
obtained according to the general procedure from 4-methylpentan-2-one (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-
1
anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 12 h; H-NMR: δ 0.83 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.85 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H),
1.05 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.15 (dt, J = 13.7, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.37 (dt, J = 13.7, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.62–1.72 (m,
1H), 2.92 (brs, 1H), 3.31-3.39 (m, 1H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 6.45–6.49 (m, 2H), 6.67–6.71 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR:
δ 21.5, 22.9, 23.4, 25.5, 47.4, 48.0, 56.2, 115.1, 115.4, 142.3, 152.2; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+:
m/z Calcd: 208.1701; Found: 208.1705; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate
0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 13.5 min (minor), tR = 14.6 min (major).
4-Methoxy-N-(3-methylpentan-2-yl)aniline (5b). Mixture of diastereoisomers 51:49. The product
(85 mg, 82% yield, 96% ee) was obtained according the general procedure from 3-methylpentan-2-one
1
(55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.84–0.94 (m, 6H), 1.03
(d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1.5H), 1.07 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1.5H), 1.13–1.25 (m, 1H), 1.42–1.63 (m, 2H), 3.31–3.40 (m,
13
1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.55–6.58 (m, 2H), 6.74–6.78 (m, 2H); C-NMR: δ 12.3(7), 12.4(3), 14.0, 15.7,
16.0, 17.6, 25.2, 27.0, 38.6, 39.5, 53.5, 54.1, 56.2, 115.2, 115.4, 142.5, 152.2; HRMS for C13H22NO
[M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 208.1701; Found: 208.1697; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1,
flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 12.0 min (d1, minor), tR = 12.9 min (d2, minor), tR = 13.8 (d1,
major), tR = 14.8 (d2, major).
4-Methoxy-N-(pentan-2-yl)aniline (5c) [38]. The product (85 mg, 88% yield, 90% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 2-pentanone (47 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol)

Molecules 2010, 15
2463
1
in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.92 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.14 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.33–1.45 (m, 3H), 1.50–1.57
(m, 1H), 3.11 (brs, 1H), 3.38 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.53–6.57 (m, 2H), 6.75–6.79 (m,
13
2H); C-NMR δ 14.6, 19.8, 21.2, 39.9, 49.6, 56.2, 115.1, 115.4, 142.4, 152.2; HRMS for C12H20NO
[M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 194.1545; Found: 194.1539; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1,
flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 15.1 min (minor), tR = 15.8 min (major).
4-Methoxy-N-(hexan-2-yl)aniline (5d) [45]. The product (85 mg, 82% yield, 93% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 2-hexanone (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol)
1
in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.90 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.15 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.30–1.42 (m, 5H), 1.53–1.59
(m, 1H), 3.36 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.53–6.57 (m, 2H), 6.75–6.79 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR:
δ 14.5, 21.2, 23.2, 28.8, 37.4, 49.9, 56.3, 115.1, 115.4, 142.5, 152.2; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+:
m/z Calcd: 208.1701; Found: 208.1705; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate
0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 14.1 min (minor), tR = 14.7 min (major).
N-(Heptan-2-yl)-4-methoxyaniline (5e) [24,28]. The product (87 mg, 79% yield, 91% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 2-heptanone (63 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol)
1
in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.89 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.14 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.24–1.32 (m, 4H), 1.34–1.43
(m, 3H), 1.50–1.59 (m, 1H), 3.12 (brs, 1H), 3.32–3.39 (m, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.53–6.57 (m, 2H),
6.75–6.79 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR: δ 14.4, 21.2, 23.1, 26.3, 32.3, 37.6, 50.0, 56.3, 115.1, 115.4, 142.4,
152.3; HRMS for C14H24NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 222.1858; Found: 222.1852; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-
H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate 1.0 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 9.3 min (major),
tR = 10.6 min (minor).
N-(Heptan-3-yl)-4-methoxyaniline (5f). The product (105 mg, 95% yield, 49% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 3-heptanone (63 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol)
in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.89 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.26–1.59 (m, 8H), 3.18 (quintet,
13
J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.52-6.56 (m, 2H), 6.74–6.78 (m, 2H); C-NMR δ 10.4, 14.5, 23.3,
27.5, 28.6, 34.4, 55.5, 56.3, 114.7, 115.4, 142.9, 151.9; HRMS for C14H24NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd:
222.1858; Found: 222.1850; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate 0.5
mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 14.0 min (major), tR = 15.8 min (minor).
4-Methoxy-N-(octan-3-yl)aniline (5g). The product (94 mg, 80% yield, 71% ee) was obtainedaccording
to the general procedure from 3-octanone (71 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h;
1H-NMR: δ 0.86–0.93 (m, 6H), 1.27–1.59 (m, 10H), 3.14 (brs, 1H), 3.18 (quintet, J = 5.9 Hz, 1H),
13
3.74 (s, 3H), 6.54 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.76 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H); C-NMR: δ 10.4, 14.5, 23.1, 26.1,
27.5, 32.5, 34.7, 55.5, 56.3, 114.7, 115.3, 142.9, 151.9; HRMS for C15H26NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd:
236.2009; Found: 236.2006; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate
1.0 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 11.0 min (major), tR = 13.6 min (minor).
N-(1-Cyclopropylethyl)-4-methoxyaniline (5h). The product (86 mg, 90% yield, 93% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 1-cyclopropylethanone (46 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine
1
(62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.21–0.31 (m, 2H), 0.43–0.52 (m, 2H), 0.86–0.95 (m, 1H),

Molecules 2010, 15
2464
1.20 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 2.82-2.89 (m, 1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 6.56–6.60 (m, 2H), 6.74–6.78 (m, 2H); 13C-
NMR: δ 2.9, 3.6, 18.4, 20.7, 54.2, 56.2, 115.2, 115.5, 142.6, 152.3; HRMS for C12H18NO [M+H]+: m/z
Calcd: 192.1388; Found: 192.1381; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate
0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 18.4 min (major), tR = 24.4 min (minor).
N-(Hex-5-en-2-yl)-4-methoxyaniline (5i) [28,33]. The product (82 mg, 80% yield, 92% ee) was
obtained according to the general procedure from hex-5-en-2-one (54 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine
1
(62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 1.15 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.38–1.47 (m, 1H), 1.54–1.63 (m,
1H), 2.05–2.11 (m, 2H), 3.10 (brs, 1H), 3.33 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 4.88–4.92 (m, 1H),
4.96 (dq, J = 17.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (ddt, J = 17.0, 10.3, 6.7 Hz, 1H), 6.46–6.50 (m, 2H), 6.68–6.72
(m, 2H); 13C-NMR: δ 21.2, 30.9, 36.7, 49.4, 56.2, 115.1, 115.2, 115.4, 138.9, 142.3, 152.3; HRMS for
C13H20NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 206.1545; Found: 206.1547; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H,
hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate 1.0 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 13.4 min (major), tR = 15.8 min
(minor).
4-Methoxy-N-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl)aniline (5j) [39]. The product (104 mg, 89% yield, 95% ee) was
obtained according to the general procedure from 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (69 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-
1
anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 1.16 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.39–1.48 (m, 1H),
1.59 (s, 3H), 1.54–1.63 (m, 1H), 1.69 (d, J = 0.8 Hz, 3H), 2.05–2.10 (m, 2H), 3.37 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz,
1H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 5.10–5.14 (m, 1H), 6.53–6.57 (m, 2H), 6.75–6.79 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR: δ 18.1, 21.2,
25.1, 26.1, 37.6, 49.5, 56.2, 115.1, 115.3, 124.5, 132.4, 142.5, 152.3; HRMS for C15H24NO [M+H]+:
m/z Calcd: 234.1858; Found: 234.1865; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate
0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 21.6 min (major), tR = 26.9 min (minor).
N-[4-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)butan-2-yl]-4-methoxyaniline (5k). The product (127 mg, 85% yield,
93% ee) was obtained according to the general procedure from 4-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butan-2-one
(106 mg, 0.55 mmol) and p-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 1.18 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H),
1.65–1.74 (m, 1H), 1.78–1.87 (m, 1H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 3.36–3.41 (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 5.92
(s, 2H), 6.53 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (d, J = 7.8 Hz,
13
1H), 6.75–6.77 (m, 2H); C-NMR: δ 21.3, 32.6, 39.5, 49.3, 56.2, 101.2, 108.6, 109.3, 115.2, 115.4,
121.6, 136.4, 142.1, 146.0, 148.0, 152.3; HRMS for C18H22NO3 [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 300.1599; Found:
300.1590; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 1 mL/min,
λ = 254 nm): tR = 28.7 min (major), tR = 38.6 min (minor).
3-Methoxy-N-(4-methylpentan-2-yl)aniline (6a). The product (75 mg, 72% yield, 80% ee) was
obtained according the general procedure from 4-methyl-2-pentanone (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-
1
anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.90 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.94 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H),
1.15 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (dt, J = 13.6, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 1.46 (dt, J = 13.6, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.71–1.79 (m,
1H), 3.40 (brs, 1H), 3.46–3.54 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.13 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.21 (dd, J = 8.1, 2.2 Hz,
13
2H), 7.06 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); C-NMR: δ 21.5, 23.0, 23.4, 25.5, 47.0, 47.3, 55.5, 99.3, 102.2, 106.7,
130.4, 149.5, 161.3; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 208.1701; Found: 208.1711; HPLC

Molecules 2010, 15
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(Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 19.9 min
(minor), tR = 21.9 min (major).
3-Methoxy-N-(3-methylpentan-2-yl)aniline (6b). Mixture of diastereoisomers 54:46. The product
(85 mg, 82% yield, 96% ee) was obtained according the general procedure from 3-methylpentan-2-one
1
(55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.86 (d, J = 6.8 Hz,
1.5H), 0.89 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1.5H), 0.82–0.96 (m, 3H), 1.06 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 1.5H), 1.10 (d, J = 6.5 Hz,
1.5H), 1.13–1.23 (m, 1H), 1.44–1.65 (m, 2H), 3.40–3.45 (m, 1H), 3.53 (brs, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.13 (t,
J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.18-6.23 (m, 2H), 7.03–7.07 (m, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 12.3(6), 12.4(3), 14.2, 15.7, 16.3,
17.7, 25.3, 26.9, 38.9, 39.6, 52.1, 52.7, 55.5, 99.2, 99.3, 101.9, 102.0, 106.6,(3), 106.6(7), 130.4, 149.5,
149.7, 161.3; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 208.1701; Found: 208.1700; HPLC
(Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 46.7 min (d1,
major), tR = 50.3 min (d2, major), tR = 55.6 (d1, minor), tR = 58.2 (d2, minor).
3-Methoxy-N-(3-methylbutan-2-yl)aniline (6c). The product (83 mg, 86% yield, 90% ee) was obtained
according the general procedure from 3-methylbutan-2-one (47 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg,
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.90 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 3H), 1.09 (d, J = 6.5 Hz,
3H), 1.80–1.88 (m, 1H), 3.28–3.42 (m, 1H), 3.52 (brs, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.13 (t, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H),
6.18–6.23 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 17.0, 17.9, 19.6, 32.6, 53.8, 55.5, 99.3, 102.0,
106.7, 130.4, 149.6, 161.3; HRMS for C12H20NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 194.1539; Found: 194.1541;
HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 10.9 min
(minor), tR = 12.9 min (major).
3-Methoxy-N-(pentan-2-yl)aniline (6d). The product (74 mg, 77% yield, 91% ee) was obtained
according the general procedure from 2-pentanone (47 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg,
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.92 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.16 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.36–1.43 (m, 3H),
1.52–1.57 (m, 1H), 3.41–3.48 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 6.13 (t, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.19 (ddd, J = 8.1, 2.3,
13
0.8 Hz, 1H), 6.23 (ddd, J = 8.1, 2.3, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); C-NMR: δ 14.5, 19.7,
21.2, 39.8, 48.7, 55.5, 99.5, 102.3, 106.8, 130.4, 149.4, 161.3; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+: m/z
Calcd: 194.1539; Found: 194.1540; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate
0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 14.4 min (minor), tR = 16.0 min (major).
N-(Hexan-2-yl)-3-methoxyaniline (6e) [40]. The product (88 mg, 85% yield, 92% ee) was obtained
according the general procedure from 2-hexanone (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg,
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.90 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.16 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.30–1.45 (m, 5H),
1.52-1.58 (m, 1H), 3.43 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.46 (brs, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 6.13 (t, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H),
6.18-6.24 (m, 2H), 7.06 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 14.5, 21.2, 23.2, 28.8, 37.3, 49.0, 55.5, 99.5,
102.3, 106.8, 130.4, 149.3, 161.3; HRMS for C13H22NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 208.1696; Found: 208.1696;
HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 13.5 min
(minor), tR = 15.5 min (major).

Molecules 2010, 15
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N-(Heptan-3-yl)-3-methoxyaniline (6f). The product (90 mg, 81% yield, 61% ee) was obtained
according the general procedure from 3-heptanone (63 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg,
1
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.89 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H), 1.24–1.63 (m, 8H),
3.25 (quintet, J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 3.45 (brs, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 6.12 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.17–6.22 (m, 2H),
7.05 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 10.5, 14.5, 23.3, 27.7, 28.6, 34.5, 54.5, 55.5, 99.1, 101.8, 106.5,
130.4, 150.0, 161.3; HRMS for C14H24NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 222.1852; Found: 222.1851; HPLC
(Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 12.6 min
(minor), tR = 15.9 min (major).
3-Methoxy-N-(octan-3-yl)aniline (6g). The product (98 mg, 83% yield, 64% ee) was obtained
according the general procedure from 3-octanone (71 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg,
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.87 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.25–1.61 (m, 10H),
3.22–3.28 (m, 1H), 3.44 (brs, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 6.12 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.17–6.22 (m, 2H), 7.05
(t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 10.5, 14.5, 23.1, 26.1, 27.7, 32.4, 34.8, 54.5, 55.5, 99.1, 101.8, 106.5,
130.4, 150.0, 161.3; HRMS for C15H26NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 236.2009; Found: 236.2008; HPLC
(Chiralcel OJ, hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 21.2 min
(major), tR = 25.2 min (minor).
1-(2,6-Dimethylhept-5-enyl)-3-methoxybenzene (6h) [40]. The product (78 mg, 67% yield, 82% ee)
was obtained according the general procedure from 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (69 mg, 0.55 mmol) and
1
m-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 1.17 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.43–1.50 (m, 1H),
1.55–1.64 (m, 1H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.69 (d, J = 0.8 Hz, 3H), 2.07 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 3.44 (sextet,
J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.51 (brs, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 5.10–5.14 (m, 1H), 6.13 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.19 (dd,
J = 8.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.23 (dd, J = 8.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H); 13C-NMR: δ 18.1,
21.2, 25.1, 26.1, 37.5, 48.6, 55.5, 99.4, 102.3, 106.8, 124.4, 130.4, 132.5, 149.4, 161.3; HRMS for
C15H24NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 234.1858; Found: 234.1857; HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H,
hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 20.5 min (minor), tR = 21.6 min (major).
N-(1-Cyclopropylethyl)-3-methoxyaniline (6i) [40]. The product (59 mg, 62% yield, 82% ee) was
obtained according the general procedure from 1-cyclopropylethanone (46 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-
anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 0.23–0.34 (m, 2H), 0.43–0.53 (m, 2H), 0.89–0.96 (m,
1H), 1.22 (d, J =6.3 Hz, 3H), 2.92-2.99 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.15 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.20–6.25 (m,
13
2H), 7.05 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); C-NMR: δ 3.0, 3.5, 18.2, 20.6, 53.0, 55.5, 99.6, 102.5, 106.9, 130.3,
149.5, 161.2; HRMS for C12H18NO [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 192.1383; Found: 192.1386; HPLC
(Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 1 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 37.0 min
(major), tR = 38.0 min (minor).
N-(4-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)butan-2-yl)-3-methoxyaniline (6j). The product (120 mg, 80% yield,
91% ee) was obtained according the general procedure from 4-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butan-2-one
1
(106 mg, 0.55 mmol) and m-anisidine (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 1.19 (d, J = 6.3 Hz,
3H), 1.66–1.75 (m, 1H), 1.77–1.86 (m, 1H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 3.45 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz,

Molecules 2010, 15
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1H), 5.91 (s, 2H), 6.09 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.14–6.17 (m, 1H), 6.22–6.25 (m, 1H), 6.62 (dd,
J = 7.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H); 13C-
NMR: δ 21.3, 32.6, 39.5, 48.2, 55.5, 99.4, 101.2, 102.4, 106.7, 108.6, 109.3, 121.5, 130.4, 136.2,
146.0, 148.0, 149.3, 161.3; HRMS for C18H22NO3 [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 300.1588; Found: 300.1600;
HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 90:10 flow rate 1 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 25.5 min
(major), tR = 29.2 min (minor).
N-(4-Methylpentan-2-yl)aniline (7a) [24,46]. The product (71 mg, 80% yield, 88% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 4-methylpentan-2-one (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline
1
(47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.91 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.94 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.16 (d,
J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.26 (dt, J = 13.7 Hz, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.47 (dt, J = 13.7 Hz, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 1.70–1.80 (m,
1H), 3.39 (brs, 1H), 3.47–3.57 (m, 1H), 6.56-6.59 (m, 2H), 6.65 (tt, J = 7.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.20 (m,
2H);13C-NMR: δ 21.5, 23.1, 23.4, 25.5, 46.9, 47.4, 113.5, 117.2, 129.8, 148.2; HRMS for C12H20N
[M+H]+:
m/z
Calcd:
178.1596;
Found:
178.1590;
HPLC
(Chiralcel
OB-H,
hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 7.7 min (minor),
tR = 8.6 min (major).
N-(Pentan-2-yl)aniline (7b) [47]. The product (75 mg, 92% yield, 94% ee) was obtained according to
the general procedure from 2-pentanone (47 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline (47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h;
1H- NMR: δ 0.93 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.17 (d, J = 6.2 Hz, 3H), 1.35–1.46 (m, 3H), 1.50–1.60 (m,
1H), 3.45 (brs, 1H), 3.47 (sextet, J = 6.2 Hz, 1H), 6.55-6.58 (m, 2H), 6.65 (tt, J = 7.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H),
13
7.13–7.20 (m, 2H); C-NMR: δ 14.5, 19.7, 21.2, 39.9, 48.6, 113.5, 117.1, 129.7, 148.3; HRMS for
C11H18N [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 164.1439; Found: 164.1440; HPLC (Chiralcel OJ,
hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 28.8 min (major),
tR = 34.8 min (minor). The ee was determined by weighing the HPLC peaks, as the peak corresponding
to the minor enantiomer was too small and wide to be integrated.
N-(Hexan-2-yl)aniline (7c) [48]. The product (75 mg, 85% yield, 95% ee) was obtained according to
the general procedure from 2-hexanone (55 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline (47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h;
1H- NMR: δ 0.90 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.16 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.28–1.47 (m, 5H), 1.53–1.56 (m, 1H),
3.41–3.48 (m, 2H), 6.55–6.58 (m, 2H), 6.65 (tt, J = 7.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.18 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR: δ
14.5, 21.2, 23.2, 28.8, 37.4, 48.8, 113.5, 117.1, 129.7, 148.1; HRMS for C12H20N [M+H]+: m/z Calcd:
178.1596; Found: 178.1590; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H, hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate
0.25 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 18.2 min (minor), tR = 19.1 min (major).
N-(Heptan-2-yl)aniline (7d) [42,49]. The product (79 mg, 83% yield, 92% ee) was obtained according
to the general procedure from 2-heptanone (63 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline (47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h;
1H-NMR: δ 0.88 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.17 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.26–1.46 (m, 7H), 1.53–1.59 (m, 1H),
3.41 (brs, 1H), 3.44 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 6.55–6.58 (m, 2H), 6.65 (tt, J = 7.3 Hz, 1.0 Hz, 1H),
13
7.13–7.18 (m, 2H); C-NMR: δ 14.4, 21.2, 23.1, 26.2, 32.3, 37.6, 48.9, 113.5, 117.1, 129.7, 148.3;
HRMS for C13H22N [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 192.1752; Found: 192.1754; HPLC (Chiralcel OB-H,

Molecules 2010, 15
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hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 8.8 min (minor), tR = 9.7 min
(major).
N-(6-Methylhept-5-en-2-yl)aniline (7e). The product (93 mg, 91% yield, 91% ee) was obtained
according to the general procedure from 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (69 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline
1
(47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 1.17 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.42–1.51 (m, 1H), 1.59 (s, 3H),
1.55–1.64 (m, 1H), 1.69 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 3H), 2.08 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.43 (brs, 1H), 3.46 (sextet,
J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 5.10–5.14 (m, 1H), 6.55-6.58 (m, 2H), 6.65 (tt, J = 7.4, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.17 (m,
13
2H); C- NMR: δ 18.1, 21.2, 25.1, 26.1, 37.6, 48.5, 113.5, 117.2, 124.4, 129.7, 132.4, 148.2; HRMS
for C14H22N [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 204.1752; Found: 204.1749; HPLC (Chiralcel OJ,
hexane:isopropanol = 99:1, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 15.3 min (major), tR = 19.4 min
(minor).
N-(1-Cyclopropylethyl)aniline (7f). The product (73 mg, 91% yield, 92% ee) was obtained according
to the general procedure from 1-cyclopropylethanone (46 mg, 0.55 mmol) and aniline (47 mg,
1
0.5 mmol) in 20 h; H-NMR: δ 0.22–0.33 (m, 2H), 0.44–0.53 (m, 2H) 0.88–0.97 (m, 1H), 1.22 (d,
J = 6.5 Hz, 3H), 2.97 (quintet, J = 6.5 Hz, 1H), 3.66 (brs, 1H), 6.57–6.60 (m, 2H), 6.66 (tt, J = 7.3 Hz,
1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.18 (m, 2H);13C-NMR: δ 3.0, 3.5, 18.3, 20.6, 52.9, 113.6, 117.3, 129.6, 148.3;
HRMS for C11H16N [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 162.1283; Found: 162.1286; HPLC (Chiralcel OJ,
hexane:isopropanol = 99.5:0.5, flow rate 0.5 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 32.4 min (major),
tR = 37.3 min (minor). The ee was determined by weighing the HPLC peaks, as the peak corresponding
to the minor enantiomer was too small and wide to be integrated.
N-[4-(2H-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)butan-2-yl]aniline (7g). The product (128 mg, 95% yield, 91% ee) was
obtained according to the general procedure from 4-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butan-2-one (106 mg,
0.55 mmol) and aniline (47 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 20 h; 1H-NMR: δ 1.20 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H), 1.67–1.76 (m,
1H), 1.78–1.87 (m, 1H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (brs, 1H), 3.47 (sextet, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H), 5.91 (s,
2H), 6.52–6.55 (m, 2H), 6.62 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 6.64-6.68 (m, 2H), 6.72 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H),
7.12–7.17 (m, 2H); 13C-NMR: δ 21.3, 32.6, 39.5, 48.2, 101.2, 108.6, 109.3, 113.6, 117.4, 121.5, 129.7,
136.2, 146.0, 147.9, 148.0; HRMS for C17H20NO2 [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 270.1494; Found: 270.1503;
HPLC (Chiralcel OD-H, hexane:isopropanol = 98:2, flow rate 1 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 22.4 min
(major), tR = 24.8 min (minor).
N-(4-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)butan-2-yl)-4-bromoaniline (7h). The product (122 mg, 70% yield,
84% ee) was obtained according the general procedure from 4-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butan-2-one
(106 mg, 0.55 mmol) and 4-bromoaniline (86 mg, 0.5 mmol) in 30 h; 1H-NMR: δ 1.18 (d, J = 6.1 Hz,
3H), 1.66–1.84 (m, 2H), 2.62 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 3.36–3.43 (m, 1H), 3.43 (brs, 1H), 5.92 (s, 2H), 6.39
(d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.60 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 6.72 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (d, J = 8.6 Hz,
2H); 13C-NMR: δ 21.1, 32.5, 39.3, 48.2, 101.2, 108.6, 108.7, 109.3, 115.1, 121.5, 132.4, 136.0, 146.1,
146.9, 148.0; HRMS for C17H1979BrNO2 [M+H]+: m/z Calcd: 348.0599; Found: 348.0592; HPLC
(Chiralcel OJ, hexane:isopropanol = 90:10, flow rate 1 mL/min, λ = 254 nm): tR = 46.8 min (major),
tR = 65.6 min (minor).

Molecules 2010, 15
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4. Conclusions
Together with our previous results [28,30], this paper demonstrates that Cp*Ir(diamine)-phosphate
is a powerful catalytic system to enable highly efficient DARA of both aromatic and aliphatic ketones.
The catalysis is brought about by the cooperative action of the metal and the counteranion, with the
former activating H2 whilst the latter ion-pairing with the protonated substrate. Without the
counteranion or with mismatched chirality [28] between the anion and the diamine ligand, much
reduced enantioselectivities resulted. In this regard, our bifunctional catalysis differs from the original
Noyori proposition, in which the diamine ligand provides the second functionality, i.e. the acidic NH2
proton. Whether or not the amino group functions in the current DARA remains to be delineated,
however, and this is being investigated in our lab.
Acknowledgements
We thank AstraZeneca for a studentship to B. Villa-Marcos and Mark Purdie and Allan Pettman for
discussions. We also thank the Research Councils UK for a Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award to
C.Q. Li, and we are grateful to Moya McCarron and Jean Ellis for mass spectra analysis and to Pfizer
for general support.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are available from the authors.
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