Asymmetric synthesis of primary amines via the spiroborate-catalyzed borane reduction of oxime ethers

The enantioselective borane reduction of O-benzyloxime ethers to primary amines was studied under catalytic conditions using the spiroborate esters 5-10 derived from nonracemic 1,2-amino alcohols and ethylene glycol. Effective catalytic conditions were achieved using only 10% of catalyst 5 derived from diphenylvalinol in dioxane at 0 degrees C resulting in complete conversion to the corresponding primary amine in up to 99% ee.