Direct catalytic enantioselective α-aminomethylation of aldehydes

Abstract

The direct catalytic asymmetric α-aminomethylation of aldehydes is presented. The chiral amine and amino acid catalyzed reactions between unmodified aldehydes and a formaldehyde-derived imine precursor were fast and proceeded with high chemo- and enantioselectivities. The corresponding dibenzyl-protected γ-amino alcohols were isolated in high yields with up to 98% ee after in situ reduction. The reaction is a novel entry to valuable β2-amino acid derivatives. © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.