Direct enantioselective α-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 novel method for achieving enantioselective alpha-alkylation of secondary acyclic amines with ketones through the combination of photocatalysis and the catalytic promiscuity of lipase is described. Various beta-amino ketones were synthesized from secondary acyclic amines with good yields (up to 89%) and moderate enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 89 : 11 er and 93 : 7 dr) under mild conditions without oxidants and cofactors. This method exhibits wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and simple operation.