Efficient synthesis of chiral γ-aminobutyric esters via direct rhodium-catalysed enantioselective hydroaminomethylation of acrylates

The successful rhodium catalysed asymmetric intermolecular hydroaminomethylation (HAM) of alkenes using a single catalyst bearing the (R,R)-QuinoxP* ligand is reported. The HAM of alpha-alkyl acrylates is revealed to be an efficient tool for the regio- and enantioselective synthesis of gamma-amino esters with ees up to 86%. HPNMR experiments provided insights into the reaction mechanism.