Direct enantioselective a-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with ketones by combining photocatalysis and lipase catalytic promiscuity

A novel direct enantioselective & alpha;-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with simple ketones by combining photocatalysis and lipase catalytic promiscuity is described. Various & beta;-amino ketones were synthesized from secondary acyclic amines in good yields of up to 89% with moderate enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 89 : 11 er and 93 : 7 dr) under mild and oxidant- and cofactor-free conditions. This novel protocol has the characteristics of wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and simple operation. Described is a method for directly achieving enantioselective & alpha;-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with ketones through the combination of photocatalysis and the catalytic promiscuity of lipase.

Automated summary

A new method for the direct enantioselective α-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with simple ketones is described, using a combination of photocatalysis and the catalytic promiscuity of lipase. Various β-amino ketones were synthesized in good yields of up to 89%, with moderate enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 89:11 er and 93:7 dr) under mild, oxidant- and cofactor-free conditions. This novel protocol exhibits wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and simple operation characteristics.