Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarboxyarylation with NHP Esters of α-Amino Acid to Chiral Benzylamines

A nickel-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxyarylation of NHP esters via reductive cross-coupling has been established. Utilizing the NHP of amino acid esters as radical precursors furnishes a new protocol in which structurally diverse chiral benzylamines could be accessible. This method has demonstrated excellent catalytic efficiency, high enantioselective control, mild conditions, and good functional group tolerance, thus enabling the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals.