Patent ID: 7393979

Claim:
A process for producing an optically active 1-alkyl-substituted 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine represented by the formula [3], wherein R represents a lower alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 6, and * represents an asymmetric carbon, or its salt by subjecting an optically active imine represented by the formula [1], wherein R represents a lower alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 6, Ph represents a phenyl group, a wavy line represents E configuration or Z configuration, and * represents an asymmetric carbon, to an asymmetric reduction under hydrogen atmosphere using a metal catalyst of Group VIII to convert it into an optically active secondary amine represented by the formula [2], wherein R represents a lower alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 6, Ph represents a phenyl group, and * represents an asymmetric carbon, and then by subjecting the secondary amine or its salt to hydrogenolysis.