Asymmetric Catalysis of the Carbonyl-Amine Condensation: Kinetic Resolution of Primary Amines

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Feb 1;139(4):1357-1359. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b12176. Epub 2017 Jan 17.

Abstract

A Brønsted acid catalyzed kinetic resolution of primary amines is described that is based on the condensation between an amine and a carbonyl compound. 1,3-Diketones react with racemic α-branched amines to furnish the corresponding enantioenriched enaminone and recovered starting material. Good to excellent enantioselectivity was observed with both aromatic and aliphatic primary amines. This process represents the first small-molecule catalyzed kinetic resolution of aliphatic amines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't