Asymmetric synthesis of amines by the reductive amination of ketones using (+) and (-) norepinephrine followed by periodate oxidation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(00)82258-2

A new route for the synthesis of aralkyl primary amines is reported, where the commercially available (+) or (-) norepinephrine is condensed with aralkyl ketones followed by hydrogenation of the Schiff base using platinum catalyst. The chiral β-aminoalcohols thus obtained were oxidized by periodate to yield the aralkyl primary amines in 54-66% enantiomeric excess.