Efficient Synthesis of Chiral β‐Arylisopropylamines by Using Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Abstract

Direct condensation of β-arylketones with acetamide afforded both Z and E enamides. The Z-configured substrates underwent hydrogenation with excellent enantioselectivity by using the Rh/tangphos catalytic system (see scheme; tangphos=1,1′-di-tert-butyl-[2,2′]-diphospholanyl). The product β-arylisopropylamines are important precursors to several drugs.