Direct catalytic enantioselective alpha-aminomethylation of aldehydes

The direct catalytic asymmetric alpha-aminomethylation of aldehydes is presented. The chiral amine and amino acid catalyzed reactions between unmodified aldehydes and a formaldehyde-derived imine precursor were fast and proceeded with high chemo- and enantioselectivities. The corresponding dibenzyl-protected gamma-amino alcohols were isolated in high yields with up to 98% ee after in situ reduction. The reaction is a novel entry to valuable beta(2)-amino acid derivatives.