ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Synthesis of Amines by the Reductive Amination of Ketones Using (+)- and (-)-Norephedrine Followed by Periodate Oxidation.

Abstract

A new route for the synthesis of aralkyl primary amines is reported, where the commercially available (+) or (−) norephedrine 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.