Method for the Direct Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Primary α-Amino Ketones by Catalytic α-Amination

A useful catalytic enantioselective approach has been developed for the synthesis of chiral ketamine analogs using Rh(II)-catalyzed amination of triisopropylsilyl enol ethers to form α-amino ketones with O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine as nitrogen donor in 81-91% ee.