Ruthenium clay catalyzed reduction of α-iminoesters and α-iminoketones, and the reductive amination of α-ketoesters

The reduction of α-iminoesters and α-iminoketones to the corresponding amino compounds was accomplished using ruthenium clay as the catalyst, at 75–100°C and 600–900 psi H2. The same catalyst proved efficient for the reductive amination of α-ketoesters (100°C, 600 psi H2). Diastereomeric excesses of up to 78% were obtained in the reductive amination reaction.