# Patent

## Title
Synthesis of alpha fluoroalkyl amines

## Abstract

This invention describes the reaction of an alpha fluoroalkyl ketone with a bis(trialkylsilyl)amide to give a stable N-trialkylsilyl imine. Treatment of the N-trialkylsilyl imine with an alcohol leads to solvolysis of the trialkylsilyl group and yields a stable mixture of an aminal and an imine in high yield. Catalytic reduction of this mixture, or of the individual components, in the presence of a chiral catalyst leads to a fluoroalkyl amine with high enantioselectivity and high yield.

## Background
This application claims benefit from Ser. No. 60/608,390 filed Sep. 9, 2004.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The direct asymmetric synthesis of chiral alpha fluoroalkyl amines poses a considerable synthetic challenge. Currently known procedures involve the use of a chiral auxiliary on the nitrogen atom. For imines derived from ketones, diastereoselective reduction protocols are used with low to moderate selectivity. In the case of imines derived from aldehydes, diastereoselective nucleophilic addition protocols are used. All of these procedures require additional steps to install and remove an expensive and not always commercially available chiral auxiliary. The present invention does not require the use of a chiral auxiliary and yields fluoroalkyl amines with high enantioselectivty and high yield.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By this invention, there are provided processes for the preparation of compounds of structural formulas IA and IB:




    
    
        comprising the steps of:
        a. Combining an alpha fluoroalkyl ketone of formula II in the presence of a bis(trialkylsilyl)amide to form an N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III,
    
    






    
    
        b. Reducing the N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III to produce a compound of formula IA or IB;
    
    
    wherein R1 is aryl or heteroaryl;
    R2 is C1-5 haloalkyl;
    R3 is C1-6 alkyl.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
By this invention, there are provided processes for the preparation of compounds of structural formulas IA and IB:




    
    
        comprising the steps of:
        a. Combining an alpha fluoroalkyl ketone of formula II in the presence of a bistrialkylsilylamide to form an N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III,
    
    






    
    
        b. Reducing the N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III to produce a compound of formula IA or IB;
    
    
    wherein R1 is aryl or heteroaryl;
    R2 is C1-5 haloalkyl; and
    R3 is C1-6 alkyl.


In an embodiment of the invention, the bis(trialkylsilyl)amide is lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide.
In an embodiment of the invention, an N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III is treated with an alcohol of formula R4OH to yield a mixture of an aminal of formula IV and isomeric imines of formula V:




wherein R4 is C1-5 alkyl. In a class of the invention, the alcohol is methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol, or a mixture thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mixture of the aminal of formula IV and the isomeric imines of formula V, or the individual components, are reduced with a reducing agent in the presence of a chiral catalyst to yield the compound of formula I. In a class of the invention, the chiral catalyst is derived from an aminoalcohol and is of general structure:




wherein R5 is hydrogen or aryl;

    R6 is hydrogen or aryl;
    R7 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
    R8 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
    R9 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
    or R8 and R9 can be taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atom to which they are attached and form a 5 or 6 membered nitrogen containing ring; and
    R10 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl or aryl.


In a subclass of the invention, R5 is phenyl. In a subclass of the invention, R6 is phenyl. In a subclass of the invention, R7 is hydrogen. In a subclass of the invention, R8 and R9 are taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atom to which they are attached and form a 5 membered nitrogen containing ring.
In a subclass of the invention, the amino alcohol is (R) or (S) diphenyl-2-pyrrolidine methanol.
In a class of the invention, the reducing agent is a boron hydride. In a subclass of the invention, the boron hydride is borane dimethylsulfide, borane tetrahydrofuran or catechol borane. Exemplifying the invention is catechol borane.
The term “alkyl” as used herein shall mean a substituting univalent group derived by conceptual removal of one hydrogen atom from a straight or branched-chain acyclic saturated hydrocarbon (i.e., —CH3, —CH2CH3, —CH2CH2CH3, —CH(CH3)2, —CH2CH2CH2CH3, —CH2CH(CH3)2, —C(CH3)3, etc.).
As used herein, “aryl” is intended to mean any stable monocyclic or bicyclic carbon ring of up to 12 atoms in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic. Examples of such aryl elements include phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, biphenyl, phenanthryl, anthryl or acenaphthyl. In cases where the aryl substituent is bicyclic and one ring is non-aromatic, it is understood that attachment is via the aromatic ring.
The term “heteroaryl”, as used herein, represents a stable monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring of up to 10 atoms in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic and contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S. Heteroaryl groups within the scope of this definition include but are not limited to: benzoimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzofurazanyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, carbazolyl, carbolinyl, cinnolinyl, furanyl, indolinyl, indolyl, indolazinyl, indazolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, naphthpyridinyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, oxazoline, isoxazoline, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridopyridinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolyl, quinoxalinyl, tetrazolyl, tetrazolopyridyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, triazolyl, dihydrobenzoimidazolyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, dihydrobenzothiophenyl, dihydrobenzoxazolyl, dihydroindolyl, dihydroquinolinyl, methylenedioxybenzene, benzothiazolyl, benzothienyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, oxazolyl, and tetra-hydroquinoline. In cases where the heteroaryl substituent is bicyclic and one ring is non-aromatic or contains no heteroatoms, it is understood that attachment is via the aromatic ring or via the heteroatom containing ring, respectively. If the heteroaryl contains nitrogen atoms, it is understood that the corresponding N-oxides thereof are also encompassed by this definition.
As appreciated by those of skill in the art, “halo” or “halogen” as used herein is intended to include chloro, fluoro, bromo and iodo. The term “keto” means carbonyl (C═O). The term “alkoxy” as used herein means an alkyl portion, where alkyl is as defined above, connected to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom. Examples of alkoxy include methoxy, ethoxy and the like.
The term “haloalkyl” means an alkyl radical as defined above, unless otherwise specified, that is substituted with one to five, preferably one to three halogen. Representative examples include, but are not limited to trifluoromethyl, dichloroethyl, and the like.
In the schemes and examples below, various reagent symbols and abbreviations have the following meanings:

    
    
        BH3Me2S: Borane methyl sulfide
        HCl: Hydrochloric acid
        LiHMDS: Lithium Hexamethyldisilazide
        MgSO4: Magnesium sulfate
        MTBE: Methyl tertiary butyl ether
        NaOH: Sodium hydroxide
        THF: Tetrahydrofuran
    
    


The compounds of the present invention can be prepared according to the following general scheme, using appropriate materials, and are further exemplified by the subsequent specific examples. The compounds illustrated in the examples are not, however, to be construed as forming the only genus that is considered as the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compounds. All temperatures are degrees Celsius unless otherwise noted.




EXAMPLE 1
(RS)-1-PHENYL-2,2,2-TRIFLUOROETHYLAMINE




2,2,2-Trifluoromethyl acetophenone (491 mg, 2.82 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (10 mL) at rt. A solution of lithium bis(trimethylsilylamide) (3.15 mL, 3.15 mmol, 110 mol %, 1M in THF) was added over a 10 min period. The reaction was let stir at rt for 15 min and BH3.Me2S (2.82 mL, 5.73 mmol, 2M in toluene) was added. The reaction mixture was let stir at rt for 20 min. After cooling to 0° C., aqueous 2N NaOH (4 mL) was carefully added dropwise over 5 min. The mixture was stirred at rt for 90 min. The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with aqueous 2N NaOH (5 mL) and water (5 mL), dried with MgSO4 and filtered. To the solution of crude free amine in toluene was added a solution of hydrogen chloride (1 mL, 4M in 1,4-dioxane or 2 mL, 2M in diethyl ether). A white precipitate formed. After standing at rt for 1 h, the slurry was filtered and the solids were washed with MTBE (10 mL) to afford (RS)-1-phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride as a white powder: 1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.52–7.58 (m, 5H), 5.37 (q, J=7.5, 1H); 3C NMR (CD3OD) δ 132.0, 130.6, 129.8, 129.5, 124.8 (q, J=1115), 56.7 (q, J=130); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 3.96 (d, J=7.5).
Examples 2 and 3 can be prepared by utilizing procedures similar to those described in Example 1.
EXAMPLE 2
(RS)-2,2-DIFLUORO-1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.69 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.33 (tq, J1=54 Hz, J2=2.8 Hz, 1H, —CF2H), 4.84–4.8? (m, 1H, —CH(NH2)(CF2H)) 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 133.7, 131.4, 130.5, 125.6, 115.1 (t, J=975), 56.5–56.8 (m, 1H); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ −46.12 (d, J=306), −52.4 (d, J=306). HRMS calcd for C8H9F2NBr [M+H]: 235.9886; found: 235.9883.
EXAMPLE 3
(RS)-2,2,3,3,3-PENTAFLUORO-1-PHENYLETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.53–7.59 (m, 5H), 5.47 (dd, J1=22, J2=6.7, 1H) 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 132.3, 130.7, 130.2, 129.3, 119.5 (qt, J1=1137, J2=136), 114.7 (tq, J1=1039, J2=49), 55.5 (t, J=83); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ−3.93, −38.7 (dd, J1=287 Hz, J2=2.7 Hz), −48.4 (dd, J1=287 Hz, J2=23 Hz). HRMS calcd for C9H9F5N [M+H]: 226.0655; found: 226.0655.
EXAMPLE 4
1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)-2,2,2-TRIFLUOROETHYL-N-TRIMETHYLSILYLIMINE




1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone (6.0 g, 23.73 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (23 mL) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. A solution of lithium bis(trimethylsilylamide) (24 mL, 24 mmol, 110 mol %, 1M in THF) was added over 10 min. The solution was let stir at 0° C. for 1 h. Water (20 mL) was added and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water (2×10 mL), dried with MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated to afford crude N-TMS imine as a yellow oil: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.55 (d, 2H, J=8.7), 7.48 (d, 2H, J=8.0), 0.20 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 156.2 (q, J=135) 134.0, 131.3, 129.2, 125.4, 117.4 (q, J=1144), 0.09; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.57.
Examples 5–11 can be prepared by utilizing procedures similar to those described in Example 4.
EXAMPLE 5
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-PHENYL-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.54 (d, 2H, J=7.7), 7.44–7.48 (m, 1H), 7.39–7.43 (m, 2H), 0.16 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 158.8 (q, J=135), 135.7, 130.6, 127.7, 117.9 (q, J=1142), 0.25; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.83.
EXAMPLE 6
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-(3-BROMOPHENYL)-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=8.0), 7.51 (d, 1H, J=8.0), 7.26–7.31 (m, 1H), 0.20 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 156.2 (q, J=137), 137.3, 133.7, 130.8, 129.8, 126.3, 122.5, 117.5 (q, J=1143), 0.25; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.39.
EXAMPLE 7
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-(2-METHANESULFANYLPHENYL)-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.37–7.41 (m, 1H), 7.30–7.31 (m, 1H), 7.17–7.20 (m, 1H), 7.10–7.12 (m, 1H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 0.03 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 160.9 (q, J=140), 136.9, 136.0, 130.0, 127.3, 126.7, 124.9, 117.9 (q, J=1417), 16.1, −0.70; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.57.
EXAMPLE 8
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-(3-METHANESULFANYLPHENYL)-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.33–7.34 (m, 1H), 7.31–7.32 (m, 1H), 7.28–7.31 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 0.17 (s, 9H); 13CNMR (CDCl3) δ 158.0 (q, J=134), 139.2, 136.1, 128.6, 128.3, 125.3, 124.1, 118.0 (q, J=1142), 15.5, 0.2; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.84.
EXAMPLE 9
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-[2-PHENYL(PHENYL)]-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.48–7.51 (m, 1H), 7.42–7.44 (m, 1H), 7.37–7.41 (m, 3H), 7.29–7.36 (m, 4H), −016 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 162.1 (q, J=137), 140.4, 139.8, 135.8, 130.4, 129.8, 129.1, 128.5, 127.69, 127.67, 127.0, 117.7 (q, J=1137), −0.84; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 6.52.
EXAMPLE 10
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-(2-NAPHTHYL)-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.90–7.94 (m, 1H), 7.86–7.87 (m, 2H), 7.69–7.70 (m, 1H), 7.53–7.58 (m, 2H), 0.21 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 158.1 (q, J=134), 134.2, 132.8, 132.5, 128.9, 128.2, 128.1, 127.7, 127.6, 126.7, 124.5, 118.0 (q, J=1154), 0.25; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.88.
EXAMPLE 11
N-(TRIMETHYLSILYL)-1-(9-PHENANTHRYL)-1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUOROMETHYL)KETIMINE




1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.74–8.75 (m, 1H), 8.71 (d, 1H, J=8.25), 7.91 (d, 1H, J=7.45), 7.70–7.75 (m, 3H), 7.64–7.67 (m, 2H), 7.62 (s, 1H), −0.12 (s, 9H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 162.5 (q, J=141), 133.3, 130.5, 130.20, 130.18, 129.3, 129.0, 127.8, 127.2, 127.15, 127.12, 126.2, 125.9, 123.1, 122.6, 118.4 (q, J=1133), −0.49; 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.14.
EXAMPLE 12
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




A solution of (R)-B-butyl-diphenylpyrrolidino-oxazoborolidine (0.3 mL, 0.094 mmol, 2.5 mol %, 0.3 M in toluene) was dissolved in toluene (1 mL), cooled to −15° C., and catecholborane (0.6 mL, 5.6 mmol, 150 mol %) was added to the solution. A solution of 1-(4-Bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-N-trimethylsilyl imine (1.2 g, 3.7 mmol) in toluene (4 mL) was added dropwise via syringe pump over a period of 2.5 h. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was let stir at −15° C. for 18 h. The reaction was quenched with aqueous 1N HCl (5 mL), let warm to rt and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was basified with 10N NaOH to pH 12. The aqueous layer was extracted with MTBE (1×5 mL). The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with aqueous 2N NaOH (2×5 mL), and water (5 mL). The organic layer was treated with Amberlite IRC-50S ion exchange resin (0.5 g) for 40 min to remove (S)-diphenylprolinol and filtered. The organic layer was dried and filtered. A solution of hydrogen chloride (4 mL, 2M in diethyl ether) was added to the crude solution of amine. A white precipitate formed. After aging at rt for 1 h, the slurry was filtered and the solids were washed with MTBE (1 mL) to afford (S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylamine hydrochloride as a white powder (33% ee HPLC): 1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.73 (d, 2H, J=8.5), 7.51 (d, 2H, J=8.5), 5.42 (q, 1H, J=7.4); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 133.8, 131.6, 128.7, 126.3, 124.6 (q, J=1116), 55.9 (q, J=129); 19F NMR 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 3.90 (d, J=7.7). HRMS calcd for C8H8NF3Br [M+H]: 253.9792; found: 253.9790.
EXAMPLE 13
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLIMINE




1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-N-trimethylsilyl ketimine (4.517 g, 13.93 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (10.7 mL) and stirred at rt for 18 h. The volatiles were removed under vacuum and the residue was flushed with toluene (3×20 mL) to afford crude NH-imine as a yellow-orange oil (3.33 g, 95% yield): A [65:19:16] mixture of (Z)/(E) imine isomers along with a methanol adduct: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.82 (s, 1H, NH min.), 10.75 (s, 1H, NH maj.), 3,20 (s, 3H, —OMe); 13C NMR (CDCl3) minor imine isomer: δ 165.4 (q, J=134), 120.0 (q, J=1112); major isomer: δ 162.0 (q, J=126), 118.1 (q, J=1121); MeOH adduct: δ 87.9 (q, J=118 Hz), 48.0; 19F NMR δ (CDCl3) 8.47 (minor isomer); 7.48 (major isomer), −5.58 (methanol adduct).
Examples 14–18 can be prepared by utilizing procedures similar to those described in Example 13.
EXAMPLE 14
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-(3-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLIMINE+METHANOL ADDUCT




Isolated as a [41:15:44] mixture of (Z)/(E) N—H imine geometric isomers along with a methanol adduct as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3. Representative signals: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.84 (s, minor), 10.82 (s, major), 3.21 (s, methanol adduct); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.35 (minor), 7.42 (major), δ−5.47 (methanol adduct).
EXAMPLE 15
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-(2-METHANESULFANYLPHENYL)ETHYLIMNE+METHANOL ADDUCT




Isolated as a [1.8:1] mixture of (E)/(Z) N—H imine geometric isomers as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3. Representative signals: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 11.3 (s, minor), 10.8 (s, major), 2.48; 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 166.6 (q, J=138, major), 163.6 (q, J=129, minor), 119.7 (q, J=1114 major), 117.7 (q, J=1124, minor); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 6.57 (major), 5.68 (minor).
EXAMPLE 16
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-(3-METHANESULFANYLPHENYL)ETHYLIMINE+METHANOL ADDUCT




Isolated as a [57:23:20] mixture of (Z)/(E) N—H imine geometric isomers along with a methanol adduct as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3. Representative signals: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.8 (s, minor), 10.7 (s, major), 3,21 (s, methanol adduct); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.47 (minor), 7.66 (major), −5.59 (methanol adduct).
EXAMPLE 17
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-(2-NAPHTHYL)ETHYLIMINE+METHANOL ADDUCT:




Isolated as a [45:15:46] mixture of (Z)/(E) N—H imine isomer along with a methanol adduct as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3. Representative signals: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.92 (s, minor) 10.78 (s, major), 3.25 (s, methanol adduct); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 9.02 (minor), 8.13 (major), −5.34 (methanol adduct).
EXAMPLE 18
1-(2,2,2-TRIFLUORO)-1-PHENYLETHYLIMNE+METHANOL ADDUCT




Isolated as a [18:8:74] mixture of (Z)/(E) N—H imine geometric isomers along with a methanol adduct as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3. Representative signals: 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 10.78 (s, minor), 10.69 (s, major), 3.21 (s, methanol adduct); 19F NMR (CDCl3) δ 7.64 (major), 5.84 (minor), −5.72 (methanol adduct).
EXAMPLE 19
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




A solution of (R)-B-butyl-diphenylpyrrolidino-oxazoborolidine (3.14 mL, 0.94 mmol, 2.5 mol %, 0.3 M in toluene) was dissolved in toluene (10 mL), cooled to −15° C., and catecholborane (6.01 mL, 56.5 mmol, 150 mol %) was added to the solution. A solution of 1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethylimine (10.0 g, 37.6 mmol) in toluene (40 mL) was added dropwise via syringe pump over a period of 2.5 h. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was let stir at −15° C. for 18 h. The reaction was quenched with aqueous 1N HCl (50 mL), let warm to rt and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was basified with 10N NaOH to pH 12. The aqueous layer was extracted with MTBE (1×50 mL). The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with aqueous 2N NaOH (2×50 mL), and water (50 mL). The organic layer was treated with Amberlite IRC-50S ion exchange resin (5 g) for 40 min to remove (S)-diphenylprolinol and filtered. The organic layer was dried and filtered. A solution of hydrogen chloride (40 mL, 2M in diethyl ether) was added to the crude solution of amine. A white precipitate formed. After aging at rt for 1 h, the slurry was filtered and the solids were washed with MTBE (10 mL) to afford (S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylamine hydrochloride as a white powder (91% ee HPLC): 1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.73 (d, 2H, J=8.5), 7.51 (d, 2H, J=8.5), 5.42 (q, 1H, J=7.4); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 133.8, 131.6, 128.7, 126.3, 124.6 (q, J=1116), 55.9 (q, J=129); 19F NMR 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 3.90 (d, J=7.7). HRMS calcd for C8H8NF3Br [M+H]: 253.9792; found: 253.9790.
Examples 20–26 can be prepared by utilizing procedures similar to those described in Example 19.
EXAMPLE 20
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-PHENYLETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.52–7.58 (m, 5H), 5.37 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, —CH(NH2)(CF3)). 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 132.0 (s), 130.6 (s), 129.8 (s), 129.5 (s), 124.8 (q, J=1115 Hz, —CF3), 56.7 (q, J=130 Hz). 13F NMR (CD3OD+CF3Ph) δ 3.96 (d, J=7.5). HPLC 86% ee. HRMS calcd for C8H9F3N [M+H]: 176.0687; found: 176.0689.
EXAMPLE 21
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(3-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=8.0), 7.58 (d, 1H, J=8.0), 7.48 (t, 1H, J=8.0), 5.44 (q, 1H, J=7.0); 3C NMR (CD3OD) δ 135.2, 132.7, 132.4, 131.8, 128.6, 124.6 (q, J=1115), 124.2, 56.0 (q, J=131); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.06 (d, J=7.8); HPLC 91% ee; HRMS calcd for C8H9F3NBr [M=H]: 253.9792; found: 253.9794.
EXAMPLE 22
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-[(2-METHANESULFANYL)PHENYL]ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.63–7.67 (m, 2H), 7.54–7.57 (m, 1H), 7.41–7.45 (m, 1H), 5.86 (q, 1H, J=7.3), 2.55 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 141.2, 132.7, 131.8, 128.9, 128.7, 128.3, 124.8 (q, J=1117), 53.1 (q, J=131), 18.3; 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.48 (d, J=7.6). HPLC 99% ee. HRMS calcd for C9H11F3NS [M+H]: 222.0564; found: 222.0564.
EXAMPLE 23
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-[(3-METHANESULFANYL)PHENYL]ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.43–7.47 (m, 3H), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=6.85), 5.37 (q, 1H, J=7.45), 2.52 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 142.5, 130.9, 130.3, 129.4, 126.9, 125.8, 124.7 (q, J=1115), 56.5 (q, J=129 Hz); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.08 (d, J=7.7 Hz); HPLC 85% ee. HRMS calcd for C9H11F3NS [M+H]: 222.0564; found: 222.0562.
EXAMPLE 24
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-[(2-PHENYL)PHENYL]ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 7.79–7.82 (m, 1H), 7.60–7.64 (m, 2H), 7.45–7.54 (m, 2H), 7.41–7.43 (m, 1H), 7.33–7.35 (m, 2H), 5.07 (q, 1H, J=7.25); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 145.4, 140.3, 132.3, 131.8, 130.3, 130.0, 129.9, 129.3, 128.4, 126.9, 124.7 (q, J=1118 Hz), 53.2 (q, J=130); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.86 (d, J=7.6 Hz). HPLC 99% ee. HRMS calcd for C14H12F3N [M+H]: 252.1000; found: 252.0998.
EXAMPLE 25
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(2-NAPHTHYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H, J=8.6), 7.95–7.98 (m, 2H), 7.59–7.63 (m, 3H), 5.55 (q, 1H, J=7.5); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 135.4, 134.3, 130.6, 130.4, 129.4, 129.0 128.9, 128.4, 126.7, 125.4, 125.0 (q, J=1116), 56.9 (q, J=130); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.25 (d, J=7.8 Hz); HPLC 75% ee. HRMS calcd for C12H11F3N [M+H]: 226.0844; found: 226.0848.
EXAMPLE 26
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(9-PHENANTHRYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




1H NMR (CD3OD) δ 8.94 (d, 1H, J=7.55), 8.85 (d, 1H, J=8.45), 8.29 (d, 1H, J=7.45), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=7.9), 7.77–7.83 (m, 3H), 7.71–7.74 (m, 1H), 6.36 (q, 1H, J=6.6); 13C NMR (CD3OD) δ 132.3, 132.1, 131.5, 130.4, 130.3, 129.9, 129.2, 128.8, 128.7, 128.6, 125.2 (q, J=1118), 124.8, 124.6, 124.4, 123.8, 51.9 (q, J=130); 19F NMR (CD3OD) δ 4.64. HPLC 99% ee. HRMS calcd for C16H13F3N [M+H]: 276.1000; found: 276.0999.
EXAMPLE 27
(S)-2,2,2-TRIFLUORO-1-(4-BROMOPHENYL)ETHYLAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE




A solution of (R)-B-methyl-diphenylpyrrolidino-oxazoborolidine (1.88 mL, 1.88 mmol, 5 mol %, 1 M in toluene) was dissolved in toluene (12 mL), cooled to −15° C., and catecholborane (28.23 mL, 56.46 mmol, 150 mol %, 2 M in toluene) was added to the solution. A solution of 1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethylimine (10 g, 37.6 mmol) in toluene (40 mL) was added dropwise via syringe pump over a period of 2.5 h. The same workup as in the previous example afforded (S)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylamine hydrochloride as a white powder (91% ee HPLC).

## Claims

1. A process for preparing a compound of formula IA or IB:



comprising the steps of:
a. Combining an alpha fluoroalkyl ketone of formula II in the presence of a bistrialkylsilylamide to form an N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III,




b. Reducing the N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III to produce a compound of formula IA or IB;

wherein R1 is aryl or heteroaryl;
R2 is C1-5 haloalkyl; and
R3 is C1-6 alkyl.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein the bistrialkylsilylamide is lithium bistrimethylsilylamide, sodium bistrimethylsilylamide or potassium bistrimethylsilylamide.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein an N-trialkylsilyl imine of formula III is treated with an alcohol of formula R4OH to yield a mixture of an aminal of formula IV and an imine of formula V,




wherein R4 is C1-5 alkyl.

4. The process of claim 3 wherein the alcohol is methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, 2-propanol or a mixture thereof.

5. The process of claim 3 wherein the aminal of formula IV and the imine of formula V are reduced with a reducing agent in the presence of a chiral catalyst to yield the compound of formula IA or IB.

6. The process of claim 5 wherein the chiral catalyst is of general structure




wherein R5 is hydrogen or aryl;
R6 is hydrogen or aryl;
R7 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
R8 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
R9 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl;
or R8 and R9 can be taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atom to which they are attached and form a 5 or 6 membered nitrogen containing ring; and
R10 is hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl or aryl.

7. The process of claim 5 wherein the reducing agent is a boron hydride.

8. The process of claim 7 wherein the boron hydride is borane dimethylsulfide, borane tetrahydrofuran or catechol borane.