Iridium-catalyzed direct asymmetric reductive amination of aromatic ketones

Abstract

The highly efficient direct catalytic reductive amination of aromatic ketones with diphenylmethanamine is described. Catalyzed by the iridium–monodentate phosphoramidite complex and assisted using additives, this concise and practical route provided chiral amines in high yields and with high enantioselectivity (ee values of up to 99%).