Asymmetric Synthesis VIII: Enantioselective Synthesis of (R) or (S)-α-Substituted Benzylamines VIA Chiral Pinanone Ketimine Template

Abstract

An excellent asymmetric synthesis of both (R) and (S)-α-substituted benzylamines in optical purity 90.4–99.9% has been achieved by alkylation of a chiral ketimine, prepared from pinanone and benzylamine. Diastereoselectivity in the alkylation is not dependent on the alkyl halides.