Synfacts 2006(4): 0389-0389  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-932097
Bioorganic Chemistry and Organocatalysis
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Strecker Reaction

Contributor(s): Benjamin List, Daniela Kampen
T. Ooi*, Y. Uematsu, K. Maruoka*
Kyoto University, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 March 2006 (online)

Significance

The first organocatalytic asymmetric Strecker reaction using KCN as a cyanide source is described. N-Arylsulfonyl imines 1 react with KCN in the presence of 1 mol% of chiral quaternary ammonium salt 2 under biphasic conditions to give protected α-amino nitriles 3. Linear and branched alkyl substrates provide the products in high yields and enantioselectivities.