Recent metal-catalysed asymmetric hydroaminations of alkenes

The selective and asymmetric addition of amines across alkene C=C bonds (hydroamination of alkenes) is one of the most important tool to synthesise chiral amines. Though this reaction remains a challenge due to its high energy gap and the difficult control of the enantioselection, some chiral organometallic catalysts can provide promising activities and enantioselectivities. This minireview highlights the recent use of chiral organometallic complexes in homogeneous catalysed asymmetric hydroaminations of non-activated alkenes from 2013 to 2016. The selective and asymmetric addition of amines across alkene C=C bonds (hydroamination of alkenes) is one of the most important tool to synthesise chiral amines. Though this reaction remains a challenge due to its high energy gap and the difficult control of the enantioselection, some chiral organometallic catalysts can provide promising activities and enantioselectivities. [Display omitted] •The asymmetric hydroamination of alkenes is the direct reaction to chiral amines.•Chiral organometallic catalysts can lead to high activities and selectivities.•Alkene hydrocupration combined with electrophilic amination is a good alternative.