Asymmetric reduction of oxime ethers promoted by chiral spiroborate esters with an O3BN framework

Enatioselective reduction of oxime ethers promoted by chiral spiroborate esters with an O3BN framework is reported for the first time. In the presence of (R,S)-1, 11 aralkyloxime ethers are reduced by borane-THF at 0-5 degrees C to give (S)-1-aralkylamine in high yield and excellent enatiomeric excess (up to 98% ee). Influence of reaction conditions on the enantioselectivity of the reduction is investigated, and a possible mechanism of the catalytic reduction is suggested.