Asymmetric reductive amination directly converts ketones and amines to alkylamines, which are important motifs in medicines. We report that cationic nickel complexes of chiral diphosphines promote enantioselective reductive amination of benzylic ketones with both arylamines and benzhydrazide. Isopropanol was used as a safe and cheap source of hydrogen instead of formic acid. The reaction can be readily applied to a concise synthesis of diarylethylamines, a class of neuroactive substances.

中文翻译：

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镍催化醇中苄酮的对映选择性还原胺化

不对称还原胺化直接将酮和胺转化为烷基胺，这是药物中的重要基序。我们报道了手性二膦的阳离子镍配合物促进了苯甲基酮与芳基胺和苯甲酰肼的对映选择性还原胺化。使用异丙醇代替甲酸作为安全且廉价的氢源。该反应可以很容易地应用于二芳基乙胺（一类神经活性物质）的简明合成。