Catalytic asymmetric α-amination of β-keto esters and β-keto amides with a chiral N,N′-dioxide–copper(i) complex

Abstract

The highly efficient asymmetric α-amination of β-keto esters and β-keto amides was realized by using a chiral N,N′-dioxide/Cu(I) complex. Under mild reaction conditions, a series of corresponding chiral α-amino dicarbonyl compounds were obtained in excellent yields (up to 98%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).