Practical Synthesis of Enantiopure γ‐Amino Alcohols by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of β‐Secondary‐Amino Ketones

Another way to antidepressants: A series of β-secondary-amino ketone hydrochlorides (e.g. 1) were hydrogenated with remarkably high enantioselectivities by using a Rh complex containing P-chiral bisphospholane 2. These results establish a short and practical means for the synthesis of enantiopure N-monosubstituted γ-amino alcohols (e.g. 3), which are key intermediates in the synthesis of important antidepressants. (nbd=norbornadiene; TON=turnover number). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2005/z462178_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.