Asymmetric Synthesis of 1-Phenylethylamine from Styrene via Combined Wacker Oxidation and Enzymatic Reductive Amination

J Org Chem. 2018 Aug 17;83(16):9517-9521. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b01247. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Abstract

An enantioselective chemoenzymatic two-step one-pot transformation of styrene to 1-phenylethylamine has been developed based on combining an initial Pd/Cu-catalyzed Wacker oxidation of styrene with a subsequent reductive amination of the in situ formed acetophenone. As a nitrogen source only ammonia is needed. The incompatible catalysts were separated by means of a polydimethylsiloxane membrane, thus leading to quantitative conversion and an excellent enantiomeric excess of the corresponding amine. The overall one-pot process formally corresponds to an asymmetric hydroamination of styrene with ammonia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't