Asymmetric synthesis of amines by the reductive amination of ketones using (+) and (-) norephedrine followed by periodate oxidation.

A new route for the synthesis of aralkyl primary amines is reported, where the commercially available (+) or (-) norephedrine is condensed with aralkyl ketones followed by hydrogenation of the Schiff base using platinum catalyst. The chiral β-aminoalcohols thus obtained were oxidized by periodate to yield the aralkyl primary amines in 54-66% enantiomeric excess. © 1993.