Rhodium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Enantioenriched α-Substituted Primary Amines Through Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation.

The preparation of a series of enantioenriched α-substituted primary amines using rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ortho-hydroxyaryl N─H imines is reported. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions using a low catalyst loading and ammonium formate as the hydrogen source, delivering the reduced compounds in high yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).