Catalytic asymmetric reductive amination of ketones via highly enantioselective hydrogenation of the C=N double bond

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89375-3

We describe a convenient, chemoselective asymmetric reductive amination procedure for the conversion of ketones to chiral hydrazines and amines. The key step in the three-step process is enantioselective DuPHOS-Rh-catalyzed hydrogenation of the C=N double bond of N-acylhydrazones. Detailed optimization studies revealed the effect of solvent, temperature, and the N- acyl group on the enantioselectivity and catalytic efficiency of the reaction. The reduction products, N-acylhydrazines, were converted to hydrazines or amines through hydrolysis or treatment with samarium(II) iodide, respectively.