Abstract Two β-receptor agonists (−)-denopamine and (−)-arbutamine were prepared in good yields and enantioselectivities by asymmetric hydrogenation of unprotected amino ketones for the first time by using Rh catalysts bearing electron-donating phosphine ligands. A series of α-primary and secondary amino ketones were synthesized and hydrogenated to produce various 1, 2-amino alcohols in good yields and with good enantioselectivies. This ...
