Catalytic reductive N-alkylation of anilines. Application to the synthesis of N-aryl aminoacid precursors

different anilines have been monoalkylated by reductive alkylation using ketones and α-ketoesters as alkylating agents with good isolated yields. This provided access to aminoacid derivatives. Diastereoselective experiments were also performed. Reductive N-alkylation of anilines was performed using ketones and α-ketoesters as alkylating agents with good to excellent yields.