Enantioselective Synthesis of 2-Aminomethyl and 3-Amino Pyrrolidines and Piperidines through 1,2-Diamination of Aldehydes.

An efficient method for the synthesis of 1,2-diamines from aldehydes through proline-catalyzed asymmetric α-amination followed by reductive amination is reported. The products resemble those obtained through direct asymmetric diamination of terminal alkenes. The methodology is used to synthesize 2-aminomethyl and 3-amino pyrrolidines and piperidines in high yields and with a good enantioselectivity. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated through the synthesis of a 2-aminomethyl iminocyclitol.