Rh(iii)-Catalyzed diastereoselective transfer hydrogenation: an efficient entry to key intermediates of HIV protease inhibitors.

A highly efficient diastereoselective transfer hydrogenation of α-aminoalkyl α'-chloromethyl ketones catalyzed by a tethered rhodium complex was developed and successfully utilized in the synthesis of the key intermediates of HIV protease inhibitors. With the current Rh(iii) catalyst system, a series of chiral 3-amino-1-chloro-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanes were produced in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities (up to 99% yield, up to 99 : 1 dr). Both diastereomers of the desired products could be efficiently accessed by using the two enantiomers of the Rh(iii) catalyst.