Transition metal compound mediated reduction of $alpha$-amino acids to 1, 2-amino alcohols with $NaBH_4$ in water

Abstract

A new efficient and cost-effective method for the preparation of1,2-amino alcohols is described. The reactions of amino acids with $NaBH_4$ in the presence of $NiCl_2$ or $MoO_3$ in water give 1,2-amino alcohols in high yield. When optically pure amino acids were used, optically pure 1,2-amino alcohols were obtained.