Iridium-catalyzed direct asymmetric reductive amination of aromatic ketones

The highly efficient direct catalytic reductive amination of aromatic ketones with diphenylmethanamine is described. Catalyzed by the iridium-monodentate phosphoramidite complex and assisted using additives, this concise and practical route provided chiral amines in high yields and with high enantioselectivity (ee values of up to 99%).