Catalytic Asymmetric Strecker Reaction of Ketoimines with Potassium Cyanide

Abstract A catalytic asymmetric Strecker reaction of ketoimines with potassium cyanide (KCN) is developed. Control experiments reveal the involvement of a retro‐Strecker reaction, which inevitably decreases the product yield and enantioselectivity. The use of a protic additive in combination with a chiral 1,2,3‐triazolium ion as a catalyst allows for the highly efficient and enantioselective cyanide addition to various ketoimines.