Convenient synthesis of stable aldimine-borane complexes, chiral δ-amino alcohols, and γ-substituted GABA analogues from nitriles

A one-pot synthesis of stable aldimine-trialkylborane adducts, the first synthesis of C- and N-deuterated imine-borane complexes, and their application for a highly enantioselective (84-99% ee) synthesis of delta-amino alcohols and gamma-substituted gamma-aminobutyric acids, including deuterated amino acids from nitriles, are described.