Über die Stereochemie der Hydrogenolyse von N-Benzyl-Bindungen I. Die Hydrogenolyse von Derivaten der 2-Amino-2-phenyl-propionsäure.

The stereochemistry of the hydrogenolysis of benzyl-N bonds was studied using S(+)-2-dimethylamino-2-phenyl-propionic acid (I) and its derivatives, and R(?)-2-anilino-2-phenyl-propionic acid (II). The configuration of I was confirmed, that of II established by ORD. measurements, after transformation of the phenyl into cyclohexyl groups. On a palladium catalyst the hydrogenolysis of I, its methyl and ethyl esters and its amide proceeded with 72 to 99% inversion of configuration, that of II with at least 66% inversion. The ester of the quaternary ammonium derivative of I gave as much inversion as retention (= racemisation).