A Simple and Efficient Synthesis of (S)- and (R)-1-(3-Methoxyphenyl) Ethylamine

A novel one-pot asymmetric reductive amination of 3-methoxyacetophenone with (S)- or (R)-α- methylbenzylamine using the combination of Ti(OiPr)4/Raney-Ni/H2 has been reported. This procedure provides excellent yield and diastereomeric excess. After cleaving the chiral auxiliary, (S)- or (R)-1-(3- methoxyphenyl)ethylamine was obtained in high yield.