Catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of α-aminonitriles with a novel zirconium catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/(SICI)1521-3773(19981204)37:22<3186::AID-ANIE3186>3.0.CO;2-E

Strecker reactions of aldimines with Bu₃SnCN in the presence of the novel chiral zirconium binuclear catalyst 1 provide α-aminonitriles in good yields and with high enantioselectivities. The reaction can be applied to a wide range of substrates. Since both enantiomers of the choral sources are readily available, both enantiomers of the α-aminonitriles are easily prepared according to this method. L = N-methylimidazole.