Direct enantioselective α-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with ketones by combining photocatalysis and lipase catalytic promiscuity

Abstract

A novel direct enantioselective α-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with simple ketones by combining photocatalysis and lipase catalytic promiscuity is described. Various β-amino ketones were synthesized from secondary acyclic amines in good yields of up to 89% with moderate enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 89 : 11 er and 93 : 7 dr) under mild and oxidant- and cofactor-free conditions. This novel protocol has the characteristics of wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and simple operation.