A highly efficient and direct approach for synthesis of enantiopure β-amino alcohols by reductive cross-coupling of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines with aldehydes

A highly efficient and practical approach for the synthesis of optically pure β-amino alcohols by the SmI2-induced reductive cross-coupling of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines with aldehydes was developed. This method allows the preparation of a broad range of chiral β-amino alcohols, including functionalized ones under mild conditions. It provides a straightforward access to enantiopure β-amino alcohols that are widely applicable in asymmetric synthesis. Copyright © 2005 American Chemical Society.