Abstract

Asymmetric electrophilic α-amination of aldehydes and ketones is described using trans-3-tert-butoxy-Lproline and trans-4-tert-butoxy-L-proline as efficient catalysts. Good yields and high enantioselectivities are obtained working at 0°C or at room temperature with a catalyst loading of only 5 mol%.

Keywords: Electrophilic amination, organocatalysis, tert-butoxyproline, azodicarboxylate, α-hydrazinoalcohol