First enantioselective reductive amination of α-fluoroenones

Abstract : From α-fluoroenones 2, a synthesis of (E) ketone oxime O-alkyl ethers 5 is reported with good to excellent yields. Then the first enantioselective reduction of these ketimines, via oxazaborolidine, is described with moderate to good enantiomeric excesses, leading to valuable chiral fluoroallylic amines 1.