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Abstract

A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1): ##STR00001## wherein: X is S, O or NR.sup.3, wherein R.sup.3 is H or an organic group; R is H or an organic group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently are H, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; G is a substituent; and n is 0 to 3: which comprises the steps: (a) reacting a compound of Formula (2) with a compound of Formula NHR.sup.1R.sup.2 to give a compound of Formula (3): ##STR00002## wherein X, R, G and n are as defined above and R.sup.4 is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl or a combination thereof; and (b) reducing the compound of Formula (3) to give a compound of Formula (1) is provided.Processes for the preparation of a compounds of Formula (2), novel compounds of Formula (3) and certain preferred catalysts of formula: ##STR00003## wherein: R.sup.6 represents a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, or an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; A represents an optionally substituted nitrogen; B represents an optionally substituted nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur or phosphorous; E represents a linking group; M represents a metal capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation; and Y represents an anionic group, a basic ligand or a vacant site; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent has at least one chiral centre; and provided that when Y is not a vacant site that at least one of A or B carries a hydrogen atom, are also provided.

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First Claim