Frontispiece: asymmetric reduction of α-amino ketones with a KBH4 solution catalyzed by Chiral Lewis acids.

Abstract

Asymmetric Alkali Metal Borohydride Reduction Alkali metal borohydrides are mild, inexpensive, highly selective, and environmentally friendly reducing agents in organic chemistry. In their Communication on page 13482 ff., X. Feng et al. demonstrate an efficient enantioselective reduction of both secondary and primary α-amino ketones with potassium borohydride solution catalyzed by chiral N,N'-dioxide-metal complex catalysts. The catalytic system features a convenient operation and tolerance to water, without the need for basic additives.