Enantioselective hydrogenation of (Z)- and (E)-β-arylenamides catalyzed by rhodium complexes of monodentate chiral spiro phosphorous ligands: a new access to chiral β-arylisopropylamines

A highly enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed hydrogenation of both (Z)- and (E)-beta-arylenamides was developed by using monodentate chiral Spiro phosphite and phosphine ligands, respectively. The hydrogenation reaction provides an efficient access to optically active beta-arylisopropylamines, important building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.