A number of optically active amino alcohols were synthesized
by direct asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of the corresponding
amino ketones with good-to-high enantiomeric excesses (up to 95%)
and excellent yields (up to 93% ). When the range of substrates
was broadened to include α-sulfonamido ketones or α-keto sulfones, the corresponding
products were obtained with 100% enantiomeric excesses.
The absolute configuration of (1R)-2-[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol
was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis.
amino alcohols - amino ketones - hydrogenations - stereoselective synthesis - aziridines