Catalytic, Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Aminonitriles with a Novel Zirconium Catalyst.

Strecker reactions of aldimines with Bu3 SnCN in the presence of the novel chiral zirconium binuclear catalyst 1 provide α-aminonitriles in good yields and with high enantioselectivities. The reaction can be applied to a wide range of substrates. Since both enantiomers of the chiral sources are readily avaibable, both enantiomers of the α-aminonitriles are easily prepared according to this method. L=N-methylimidazole. © 1998 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.