Direct Asymmetric Reductive Amination for the Synthesis of Chiral -Arylamines

The highly efficient and direct asymmetric reductive amination of arylacetones catalyzed by an iridium complex for the preparation of enantiomerically pure -arylamines is described. The monodentate phosphoramidite ligand exhibits superb reactivity (TONs of up to 20000) and enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). Additives played important roles in this reductive coupling reaction.